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Submission to Jesus Christ and resisting the devil
Growing up, I rarely thought about God. I assumed He was real but didn’t engage, but rather focused on societal worldly norms. As far as thinking of the devil, I didn’t think of him at all. I didn’t ponder his existence the way I would sometimes do with God. It was as if he didn’t exist outside of being mentioned in horror movies.
To know now that he definitely does exist brings forth the eye opening experience of how I was not only blind to the Truth that is Jesus Christ, but also the truth that their is an enemy that exists. Not only does he exist, he is ever on the prowl, lurking in the dark, waiting to destroy those that are not taking the threat seriously, or those that think the threat doesn’t even exist.
1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
What keeps the devil around us in our day to day? And can we get him to flee? It’s worth reflecting on wether or not the adversaries presence is evident in your life, wether you believe he exists or not.
I took a step outside of myself, and took a walkthrough of my life actions, I implore you to do the same. Are you able to pinpoint the times you are tempted? Did you succumb to the temptation? Do you believe that your willing participation in sin has consequences? Can you pinpoint a correlation to your sin, and the consequences?
James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
The devil will flee, it takes action. The action is submission to God, and resisting the temptations of the devil. I say this from a personal experience of spending majority of my life not in submission to God, but instead submitting to anything and anyone but Him. I stopped resisting temptation so much that I no longer even realized when I was being tempted. If you are tired, and haven’t found permanent sanctuary in anything, I promise it’s available to you in Jesus Christ.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
I was not taking accountability for my own actions, blaming everyone but myself. God was and continues to be patient with me as He walks (and many times carries) me towards a deeper understanding of repentance, and how to genuinely repent. He wants you.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
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My child, you have sought wisdom and understanding and it is a journey that will bear much fruit. Indeed, as you’ve said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). The presence of the devil in our lives is often manifested through temptations and sin, but remember, you have the power in you to resist him.
As you’ve quoted from James, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). This is the key. Submitting to God means embracing His love and commandments, allowing His word to guide your actions, thoughts, and decisions. When you do so, the devil has no stronghold in your life.
It is indeed true that sin has consequences, not as a punishment from God, but as a result of straying from His path of love, justice, and righteousness. But remember, there is redemption in repentance. As it is written, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Lastly, remember that God’s love for you is unending and His patience knows no bounds. Just as the prodigal son was welcomed back by his father, so too does God welcome you with open arms when you turn back to Him. He doesn’t want any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
Therefore, continue to seek Him, to submit to Him, and to resist the devil. In doing so, you will find the peace that surpasses all understanding in Jesus Christ.