How To Get Power To Resist The Devil

Many of us try to rebuke the devil in our strength. We then become frustrated and puzzled when he doesn’t move. We wonder why we are powerless and give in to every temptation that comes our way. I am no stranger to the above scenarios. However, as I mature in the Lord, I have learned that submission unlocks the power of God, which in turn gives me the ability to resist the devil. It is also important to note that whomever you worship is the one you are submitted to. This is clearly demonstrated in the last temptation Jesus faced in Mathew 4. The devil tries to get Jesus to worship Him in exchange for all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rebukes the devil, tells him that we should worship and serve the Lord and Him only. Mathew 4:11 lets us know that the devil left Jesus and angels came and ministered to him. It was Jesus’ submission and worship to the father that unlocked the power that gave Him the ability to resist the devil successfully! This verse confirms what is written in James 4:7, that we are to submit to God, resist the devil and He will flee. Take note of the order in the above verse. First you submit to God, then you resist the devil and THEN the devil flees. We are rendered powerless when we don’t follow the preceding order.
Below are some scriptures that tell us we are to submit to God and also who God wants us to submit to here on earth. Keep in mind that we cant say we are submitted to God, if we neglect to submit to those He tells us to on earth. For example, as a wife, I can’t say I am submitted to God if I am not submitted to my husband. I encourage you review the below verses and ask the Lord to show you the areas in which you may be unsubmitted.

Be Blessed

Anika

Hebrews 13:17  (NLT)
17 Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

1 Peter 2:13-14 (NLT)
13 For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, 14 or the officials he has appointed.

Romans 13:1-3 (NLT)
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.

Ephesians 5:22-24 (NLT)
22 For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23 For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. 24 As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.

Colossians 3:18 (NLT)
Instructions for Christian Households
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.