He was consistently missing in services, but I kept following up on him while he kept giving excuses. Finally, he told me, “Pastor, something has gone wrong with me.” I responded; “I know. The moment you started boycotting meetings and services I know something is fishy somewhere.” Thank God he retraced his steps and is doing well now to the glory of God.

Friend, the devil is as powerful in your life as the allowance you give him in your daily life and practices. Actually, because of the finished work of Christ, the devil has been emptied of all his power over the believer (Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 2:14). He only uses devices of fear and deception (2 Corinthians 2:11).

The devil has no advantage over a child of God. If he gets one, then we have ignorantly given it to him. You must live your life in such a way that you don’t assist the devil but resist him (1 Peter 5:8-9). To assist the devil is to live your life in a way that makes it easy for the devil to get you. Don’t let the devil exploit your ignorance or carelessness.

One of the practices that can make you vulnerable to the devil is being at the wrong place at the wrong time. David was at the wrong place at the right time so he became vulnerable (2 Samuel 11:1-4). You need God to order your steps so that iniquity will not have dominion over you (Psalms 37:23, 119:133). It is divine assignment that delivers from satanic appointment.

Resist the devil, don’t assist him. Don’t be streaming ungodly videos when you ought to be streaming live Church services. Don’t engage in ungodly gists when you ought to be fellowshipping with God. Don’t visit the opposite sex at the wrong place and time. As a pastor, why did you fix counselling alone with that lady at an odd hour? You cannot cover up foolishness with praying in tongues; you are supposed to flee, not pray (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Timothy 6:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:22).

You need to ensure that you are in the place where God has ordained for you. It is those who dwell in the secret place of the most high that will abide under the shadow of the almighty (Psalms 91:1). When you stray away from your God-ordained Church family, you are already assisting the devil in your life (Hebrews 10:25). The wolves only take advantage of the sheep who has left the company of the shepherd and the sheepfold.

‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria