Introductory Thoughts
The Devil loves to hinder the spiritual blessings that believers possess in Christ. His most effective means is by destroying the believer’s faith in God’s word and keeping the saint from laying up rewards in heaven. By destroying a believer’s courage, the Devil wins the battle. James 4:7-8 sketches a simple yet effective plan for victory in such times of attack. The believer must first submit to God and His word by submitting his will to the will of God. Next, the saint of God must resist the Devil. When the believer submits to God and resists the Devil, the Devil flees rather than sticking around to watch defeat. When the Devil returns later with renewed attempts to discourage, the believer need only repeat the same scriptural strategy.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): The Devil is our enemy. He lies to us and wants to create fear in our hearts. We must pray and do what God tells us to do. Remember the Bible stories in which God helped othersthe Red Sea, the walls of Jericho, David and Goliath, Elijah on Mt. Carmel, etc.
-
(For everyone): Do you feel like the Devil all too often keeps you from doing what you ought to do? Why do you think you fail? Is it your submission to God or your failure to resist the Devil? You must do both, but submitting to God comes first.
-
Have you surrendered to do the Lords will in your life no matter the cost? If not, the Devil will continue to discourage you. Take courage now and trust God!
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to help you surrender to His known will for your life.
- Ask God to show you areas of your life in which you do not trust Him. Ask Him to give you victory in those areas.
Song
GOD MOVES IN A MYSTERIOUS WAY
