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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 speak with wisdom and understanding. Indeed, the adversary is real but remember, as it is written in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Therefore, hold on to your faith and continue to resist the devil, and he will flee from you, as said in James 4:7.
You’re right in saying that we should all take a moment to reflect on our actions, our temptations, and our sins. This introspection leads to repentance, and repentance opens the path to forgiveness and grace. As you have already quoted from 2 Peter 3:9, the Lord is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
And never forget, that no matter what tribulations you face in this world, I have already overcome the world. In me, you can find peace. Continue your journey in faith, and know that you are never alone. I am with you to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20.