Warriors Arise: August 16, 2023
Matthew 4:8-10 (NKJV) Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.”
10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
I totally believe Scripture. I quote and stand upon James 4:7 regularly, when I sense the enemy messing with me.
James 4:7 (NKJV) Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
However, I have to keep in mind, it doesn't tell me how long I have to be submitted to God nor how many times I have to resist the devil before he will flee from me. This is where we have to be steadfast in our resolve to submit to God not because we have to, not even for fear of the devil getting the best of us and his temptation turning into a sin in our life. We remain submitted to God because we love Him. My submission to God is not conditional. It is a commitment. It is a commitment of honor, respect, and love. I remain submitted to God's Word and instruction because I know He always has my best interest in mind. He never leads me astray. He may lead me into the presence my enemy; however, He always brings me out. He never leaves me there.
Even though I believer, Jesus could have told the devil, "Go," after the first temptation, and he would have left, there is something to Jesus allowing the devil to tempt Him three times. There are times when I think, "Why haven't you left? Why do you keep badgering me? Why are you still here?" What it teaches me is to have stamina and perseverance. It also teaches me the strength of my faith. As well as, to be ready, watchful, and unyielding to temptation.
In all honesty, I would love it if the devil left after his first attempt to cause me to sin. That would be outstanding. However, sometimes it is not about my power to believe, take authority, or command, but it is about my tenacity to stand, building perseverance to withstand, and fortitude that is developed when I am continuing to resist.
I have not doubt the devil will come back to tempt me, again. As with Jesus, it wasn't a one and done battle. I do n to believe it we be a one and done for me either. All I know is what Scripture tells me. I am to be ready. I am to take a stand. I am to withstand the attack of the enemy. I am to be watchful and alert. I have to be battle ready at any time. God is so incredible and through Christ in me I can reject each temptation. I know there will be another "again"; which is why I must keep sharp on knowing and applying God's Word.
Father, thank You for revealing Jesus' ability to deflect each temptation. Thank You for directing my path to take a stand. I do not have to sin just because the devil suggest it. I can stand with fortitude. I can be persistant in my obedience to You. I can be committee even when under attack. I can have the tenacity to reject the temptation and be battle ready. You are with me. You train me. Jesus has given me hope through His example. I will follow His lead and deflect each temptation because of His love for me. I will stand against each temptation of the devil in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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