I once heard a young minister say this; “When I appear, the devil disappears.” I pondered that statement and concluded that he is either greater than Jesus or ignorant of spiritual warfare. The devil did not disappear when Jesus appeared. Jesus knew how to handle him. We must learn the same. Victory begins with understanding spiritual warfare.
Friend, life is full of battles. The Christian life does not exempt you from battles. It prepares you for battles and guarantees your victory (1 Timothy 1:18). The same God who fights for us trains our hands for war and our fingers for battle (Psalm 144:1). Salvation is not an escape from battle. It is an enlistment into it.
Giving your life to Christ introduces you to battle. You switch sides and become Satan’s enemy (Revelation 12:9-11). Many live confused because they were taught wrongly that salvation means no problems. That is not true. Jesus said in this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer (John 16:33).
Knowledge is a key weapon in spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 2:11). To be ignorant is to be at a disadvantage. The devil fights to keep you in the dark so you won’t discern his moves (Luke 22:31-32). Don’t think he will leave you alone because you are not looking for him. Your very salvation is already a threat to him.
Often, those with the least attack are those going nowhere (1 Corinthians 16:9). If you are doing something meaningful, or if the devil sees a great future ahead of you, he will stand to resist you (Zechariah 3:1). Don’t ask what is wrong with you. Ask what is right with you. You don’t have a problem. You have a purpose.
You must keep the devil where he belongs – under your feet (Ephesians 1:21-23, 2:6). Christ has already defeated him for you. So we do not fight for victory. We fight from victory (Romans 8:37). We enforce what Christ has already won for us on the cross. Rise today and enforce your victory.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria
