Stand Steadfast in Faith

 

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
— James 1:6

The devil will try to undermine your faith when you face a challenging situation. However, in this critical moment when the enemy is most intimidating, you have a choice to make. You can either give up or stand your ground. You can refuse to relinquish your position of faith. 

Don’t feel condemned when you fail to maintain your faith in challenging  situations. Let James’ message from the Lord encourage you, not condemn you. To overcome a challenging situation or a persistent obstacle, you must take a courageous stand in faith and remain unwavering.

Even though what you pray aligns with God’s will, that doesn’t guarantee a quick or easy answer. There’s a devil who comes against it. But not only that. You struggle with your own flesh, which desires comfort and hates challenges. Your faith requires greater growth because God wishes you to reach a higher level.

Faith isn’t being undecided or unsure. Faith believes. It stands steadfast, never moving or wavering. In James 1:6, James describes the unwavering attitude a believer must maintain when he asks God for something: “But let him ask in faith, with no doubt. For he that doubts is like a wave of the sea driven driven and tossed by the wind.”

In James 1:6 is we learn that we must “ask.” The Greek word used for “ask” indicates that we are to be firm and resolute in requesting assistance to meet our needs. We need to be so confident in what we request that we boldly pray with the assurance that we wil receive it.

James says that we must ask “in faith.” The Greek language places emphasis on the word “in.”  The phrase “in faith” designates a position you are locked into. In other words, this person who is “in faith” is praying from a firm and immovable position. He is praying from an unwavering belief. He knows God’s promise, and he isn’t going to change. He is utterly determined and refuses to settle for anything less than what he believes. Nothing is going to shake or move him.

James 1:6 also states that we must ask in faith and not “doubt.” The Greek word for “doubt” reveals a person who disagrees with himself.  You may be saying all the right words, but your heart may not really agree. You may be confessing all the right things without truly believing them. Until your heart and mouth line up, you’re not truly asking in faith. We must ask with hearts that agree with the words we speak.

This verse teaches that if we aren’t asking “in faith”—if we aren’t praying from a position of unwavering faith—we are like a wave of the sea. Waves are spectacular, but they always recede. Similarly, a person who lacks unwavering faith may appear or sound confident when they pray. However, just like a wave of the sea, if their prayers and desires are constantly changing, they aren’t in a position to receive God’s blessings.

James 1:7 instructs,:“Let not that man suppose that he shall receive anything from the Lord.” God wants to bless us, but if we don’t stay “in faith” long enough, we won’t receive the answer to our prayer. When we don’t stand firmly in a position of faith, we find ourselves vacillating constantly, just like the waves, changing from one prayer request to another prayer request over the same issue. When a small amount of pressure comes, we doubt, and change again. This is not what God wants for us. Faith knows. It stands, believing, no matter what Satan or the flesh or the world declares is true. 

What have you experienced? Perhaps this is one reason your prayer hasn’t been answered. Do you often change your mind or waver in doubt? Perhaps you haven’t fully committed yourself to steadfastly stand in faith for that particular need. Sometimes, it takes years to see the result of your prayers. If you’re moving around and wavering in your faith all the time, you make it difficult for God to bless you. This is why it’s imperiative to focus and be firmly committed.

What is in your heart? Do you believe? Can you truthfully confess, “I’m believing God for this answer to manifest,  and I’m not moving from my stand of faith?” If you can, you position yourself as someone God can bless.

Don’t be tossed around by the enemy, your challenges, or the opinions of others. Be steadfast, asking in faith without wavering. Never vacillate. Let patience have its perfect work. Remain confident that you will see your answer come to pass because your faith is based upon God’s Word, and His Word is His will. Profess the hope of your answer today and everyday until the will of God is manifested in your life (Hebrews 10:23).

God is faithful. Through patience and faith, you inherit His promise. (Hebrews 6:12).

Through Faith

 

Have you ever faced a problem and sought God’s intervention to solve it? Yet, deep within your heart, you heard Him ask, “What are you going to do about it?”

This question reminds me of 2 Peter 1:3:

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

God has provided me with all the things I need to navigate any situation in life. Through knowledge of Him, who has called me “by glory and virtue,” I possess all that pertains to living a godly life, confidently handling any challenging issue. Vision and faith play a crucial role in many aspects of life, and God has already taken care of His part. In Christ, He has gifted us with everything we need. However, the challenge lies in our lack of understanding and acknowledgment of the Word He has given us.

Are you struggling with a broken relationship, a poor health report, or financial difficulties? Sometimes, our religious response is to implore God to intervene instead of employing the promises He has already given in His Word. However, God is my Father, not a distant, hands-off God that must be convinced to provide something He has already given. I have a relationship with Him. He patiently waits for me to believe His Word, pray His will, step out of the place I have settled, and act on the faith He has given me. 

Life and death are in the power of the words we speak (Proverbs 18:21). Have you spoken healing and provision to your need?

Have you prayed for and forgiven those who have wronged you (Matthew 5:44-45)?

Have you honored God with your giving and sowed it in faith (Proverbs 3:9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:6-11)?

Have you resisted the enemy (James 4:7)?

Have you spoken to the mountains in your life and believed you have received victory (Mark 11:22-24)?

Far too often, we become complacent and even fatalistic in the face of life’s circumstances; we just give up. Some people resort to imploring God for intervention, only to become upset when the problems persist. Instead of trusting in God’s promises and stepping out in faith expecting to receive His promise, we often sit back and just wait on His divine intervention to resolve our issues. 

What if God is patiently waiting for us to take that first step of faith? 

The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; but the earth He has given to the children of men (Psalm 115:16).

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet (Psalm 8:6).

God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). As the Creator, they are His. However, God gave dominion of the earth to man (Genesis 1:28). He placed the earth under man’s authority, and man gave away his authority to Satan (Romans 6:16). God Himself could not intervene in what man had done, but when God came in the flesh as Jesus, Satan faced His defeat. God had become a man and, as such, had power and authority to execute judgment on the earth (John 5:27). And He did, destroying Satan’s dominion, returning it to man, and giving us authority over all the works of the enemy.  

For many of us, it’s time to break free from our passiveness, embrace faith, and exercise the authority Jesus has returned to us. Without faith, we can’t please the Lord (Hebrews 11:6).

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith (1 John 5:4).

The faith you have received is born of God; it overcomes whatever you face in life. But for faith to overcome, it must be used. It may be as small as a mustard seed, but when you use it, your life will be powerfully transformed. 

Restoration is yours in Jesus Christ. Jesus has done all He can to restore you to an intimate relationship with the Father, complete with all its inherent blessings. Peter understood restoration (John 21: 15-19). He wrote that God's divine power has given us all we need to experience an overcoming and victorious life. Through faith, you enter into the abundant life Jesus has purchased on your behalf, taking by force what is no longer the enemy’s (Matthew 11:12). 

Jesus has restored all of you.

Embrace Righteousness

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart” (Psalm 97:11, KJV).

Your understanding of your right standing with God will provide guidance and direction in your life. Those who live for the flesh are consumed by fear and guilt and will find it difficult to make sound decisions. On the other hand, those who embrace righteousness are blessed with light and gladness. 

Righteousness is the grace of God that enables us to stand in His presence without guilt or fear. It’s the knowledge that Jesus resides within us, empowering us to be good. It’s the belief that despite our imperfections, God has chosen us in Christ and loves us unconditionally. This heartfelt peace with God will serve as a guiding light in your life.

“The way of the righteous is made plain” (Proverbs 15:19, KJV). “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18), KJV).

The freedom that comes from your spiritual understanding of your righteousness in Christ is profound. God has granted us His very nature, and this nature dispels confusion and doubt. When you comprehend your identity in Christ, you become guided by the Spirit. Instead of your flesh, your true self in Christ determines your actions and circumstances no longer control your life.

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers” (1 Peter 3:12, NKJV).

Those who embrace righteousness live in the presence of God. Effective prayer is the fruit of your righteous relationship with Him. Living with religious guilt can hinder your prayer life, while embracing your righteousness in Jesus can fuel it.

How can you discern if you’re walking in righteousness? You’ll experience inner peace. You’ll have peace with God and peace of mind no matter life’s problems and challenges. You’ll recognize that your God is for you, guiding and blessing your life.

Jesus didn’t come to condemn you. He came to give you a right relationship with God. Guilt and condemnation will only fuel your flesh.

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me” (Philippians 3:12, NKJV).

Press on, growing in your understanding that you are the of righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Lay hold of its peace. Embrace righteousness, and let it guide your life.

God's Love Perfected In Me

You can’t control the attitudes and actions of others, but you can control how you respond. Whether you withdraw into your hurt and disappointment or lash out at the person who has hurt you, you’re only fostering uncertainty and distrust. As a Christian, you’re called to a higher level of peace in your relationships with others. God wants to heal the part of your your heart that has been hardened from those who have disappointed and hurt you. If you open your heart to the Word of God, you’ll discover that God’s love empowers you to navigate difficult relationships and the issues that may arise.

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set your mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:6 ESV).

What we set out minds on is crucial. Do we respond to our flesh or to the Spirit? We aren’t meant to act like the world. We are meant to seek God’s presence and His wisdom so that we overflow with His love. We’re not only called to survive difficult relationships; we are called to bring peace and life into them. We’re called to live at a level where others are so amazed by the Holy Spirit that they want to seek God’s help in their own relationships.

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love” (1 John 4:17, NLT).

Being perfected in God’s love is maturing in our faith. As we are being perfected, we are growing into the knowledge and assurance of our relationship with Christ and the depth of His love for us. 

It’s critical that we remain open and positive in our relationships so we can mature in His love. If we allow fear to control us, we will fail to connect with other people. Jesus calls us to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-14), so we cannot let fear isolate us. We are called to bring others to the Word, God’s love revealed to us in Christ.

Just as fear destroys faith, the love of God destroys fear. To get rid of fear, you must continually grow in your knowledge and understanding of God’s love for you. Fear is nothing but absolute torment; it paints pictures of a troubled future that is full of pain and disappointment. These images often come from old wounds and failures that, without an understanding of God’s love, have never healed. When you seek the Spirit’s understanding of God’s love, He speaks life and peace to you. He paints images of great hope in your mind. When you set your mind on the Lord, you begin to trust His love for the good future He has promised (Jeremiah 29:11). You discover His help when you need it the most.

No matter your trouble or uncertainty, God’s calls you to peace. Whatever your turmoil, it doesn’t need to rob you of joy and peace. God’s love is yours, and the Holy Spirit guards your peace. You can bring the Holy Spirit with you into any troublesome relationship, speaking God’s truth and imparting peace. Keeping your mind on the Spirit will stop the flesh from mastering you. God’s love will help you control your emotions, and you will start to speak life and peace into troubled relationships and hurting people.

When the love of God defeats fear, the attitudes and actions of others lose the power to control our feelings and manipulate our  lives. God’s love is perfected in us. We mature in His grace. His love reaches our inner being, and taking root there, becomes the wellspring of life from which the fruit of the Spirit can flow. He speaks life and peace into us and our relationships. 

I want to fully experience God’s love, changing my life. I want to receive wisdom and spiritual insight as I grow in my knowledge of Him. I long to release Jesus into the lives of those who are missing the blessings of His love. But just wanting isn’t enough. I’m called to co-labor with the Spirit so He can live through me. I must cast off the flesh’s fears, hurts, and disappointments, and walk in the Spirit, knowing that God’s love expressed through my life can bring life and peace to hurting people.
 

Don't Be Afraid

Fear is the greatest barrier to our faith.

“While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, ‘Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.’ But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, ‘Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well’” (Luke 8:49-50).

Jesus made it abundantly clear to Jairus that his daughter’s healing depended not on his fear but on his believing. Fear and faith cannot exist together. They are incompatible.

How often have we known God’s will, mentally believed it, spoken of it as ours, and, yet, not seen our promise? The underlying issue is fear.

Many Christians express fear when they’re sick or facing a bad diagnosis. They know God’s will concerning their health, and they are hopeful that they might receive healing, but within their heart is a fear that is eroding their faith.

“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15, NLT).

The fear of dying is the fear from which all other fears grow. When the fear of death is destroyed, the bondage of other fears is also destroyed. Jesus broke the power of death. You’re no longer a slave to fear. You can be free to appreciate life, experiencing God’s peace, joy, and love. This is an environment where faith can come to life.

There is no reason to fear dying. Isn’t death just passing from here into the very presence of God, the essence of eternal Love, where there is unspeakable joy? Those who fear death choose to be a slave to every other fear, and when you live in fear, you have no abundant life.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Just as fear destroys faith, love destroys fear. Perfect love casts out fear. Fear is torment, but knowing the love of God releases you from its torment. Do you truly know God loves you? The perfect love of God casts out fear. If you are living in fear and not receiving the benefit of your faith, the love of God is your solution.

Even thought I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I can know the perfect love of God that casts out fear and all evil (Psalm 23:4). 

I'm loved, and fear has no power in my life.

 

The More You Live In Him

My friend, Jesus exchanged places with you. His innocence became your sin. God made Jesus, who was sinless, to bear your sins so that you might become the righteousness of God through Him. Have you renewed your mind with this truth? Have you put on the new person you are, created in the image of God Himself, righteous and holy (2 Corinthians 5:21, Ephesians 4:23-24)?

When you make mistakes, remember that you have an Advocate before the Father. He is your greatest Champion, Supporter, Backer, and Spokesman! His name is Jesus, the righteous One! He has paid the price for your sins—not just yours, but the sins of the entire world (1 John 2:1-2).

The Holy Spirit witnesses to you: “I will remember your sins no more.” That means God will never be irate, annoyed, or cross with you. Does this bear witness in your heart (Hebrews 10:17, Isaiah 54:9)? 

Know who you are in Christ Jesus. Don’t ever forget you were cleansed from all your sins, my friend. If you stray down the path of shame and guilt, you’ll lose sight of your future and your purpose will fade. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith, and you’ll remain faithful. (2 Peter 1:8-9)

There was one ultimate sacrifice for all your sins. When Jesus’ work was finished, He sat down at the right hand of God. There is nothing more for Him to do. He has cleansed all your sins, past, present, and future, my friend! His blood has opened the way for you into the very presence of God (Hebrews 10:12, 19-20).

There is no separation from the Father. When you truly behold Him, you will witness something extraordinary: the reality of who you are in Him becoming tangible in your life. You will undergo a transformative journey, gradually resembling Him more and more (2 Corinthians 3:18).

God gives more grace to the humble (James 4:6). Rejoice in Jesus’ sacrifice and humbly surrender yourself to more and more of His grace, my friend. The more you behold Him, the greater you rejoice in His sacrifice and live an abundant life in Him.

Don't Be Harder Than a Stone

When Jesus reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of his followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen. 

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “Teacher, rebuke your followers for saying things like that!” He replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”
—Luke 19:37-40 NLT

For nearly 4,000 years, all of creation had eagerly awaited this momentous occasion. Prophesied in Zechariah 9:9, it was finally unfolding before their eyes. This was an event that warranted an outpouring of praise.

All the things the Lord has done and will do for us deserve our utmost praise. I refuse to let anything—whether the fear of man, the fear of my own inadequacy, or any obstacle—keep me from fulfilling my purpose as God has created me to do. I won’t succumb to the temptation of neglecting to testify to the goodness of God and expressing my praise for His blessings.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, who forgives all my iniquities, and heals all my diseases! I’ll never forget what the Lord has done for me! (Psalm 103:2-3)! 

I’ll proclaim His name to my brothers and sisters.  I’ll  praise Him among His assembled people. He hasn’t made light of my suffering. He hasn’t turned His back on me but has listened to my cry for help in my time of need! (Psalm 22:22-24).  

Lord, I’ll fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. Those who are hungry will eat and be satisfied. All who seek You shall praise You. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy! (Psalm 22:25-26)

A stone is hard and unyielding, but not as much as a person who doesn’t praise You, Lord. I don’t want to be harder than a stone! If I don’t testify to your goodness, I’ll miss the encouragement that my praise brings to someone else and to myself. One moment in my life offered death and then You spoke life. How can I not praise You? How can I not stand before my brothers and sisters and share what you have done for me? 

Come Boldly

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Jesus is and was God (John 1:1), but He was also flesh (John 1:14). He was tempted, yet was without sin. As a man, He understands our weaknesses and can relate to us and what we are going through. Since Jesus was sinless, He was worthy to pay the price for our sins, and now we can come to God in our weaknesses and needs. As our High Priest, Jesus has opened the throne of God’s grace to us.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

Since He is our High Priest, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, seeking mercy and finding grace to assist us in times of need. We should have complete confidence in approaching the Lord, not only when we have done everything right but even when we have made mistakes. If we rest in the finished work of Christ and not in our own goodness, we can boldly approach Him.

“Boldly” in the Greek is “parresia” which means “fearless confidence and freedom of speech.” Can you come to God boldly with the freedom to tell him everything? Can you approach Him with your true thoughts and feelings, knowing He values openness and honesty? Jesus can handle whatever you tell Him. He is your High Priest who sympathizes with your weaknesses, and heals you with His grace (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Jesus has opened the throne of grace to you. His unconditional love doesn’t see your failures and judgments. He sees you healed, whole, and fulfilled. He waits for you to come and lay everything down with a grace so forgiving and complete that nothing can impede its power to change you. You come to Your loving Father, the all-powerful, infinite God, who moves your mountains and changes the circumstances of your life. 

Your High Priest is not unattainable. Come boldly to God’s throne of grace, my friend. It’s the throne of unmerited, undeserved, and unearned favor. Come freely and unhindered, knowing there is grace for your every need. There at His altar, obtain mercy and receive grace. There, know completion in Him. Rise free from selfishness with confidence in Him. Rise in victory and joy. Rise in peace and purpose. You have fellowshipped with Your Redeemer. You are His, and He is yours. Your need is met. Come boldly.

Persevere In Prayer

Have there been times you have prayed in faith, but the answer to your prayer was slow in coming? Perhaps, you have asked yourself if you should just give up hope. Let me ask you something. Have you asked God if there is something you should do while you are waiting for your answer? Have you asked God if your attitude is one that encourages faith or continually comes against it?

The Word tells us how to respond when the answers to our prayers are delayed. In Colossians 4:2, Paul shared the kind of attitude we should have as we wait for the answers to our prayers. He wrote, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.”

The word “continue” in Colossians 4:2 is translated from the Greek word “proskartereo.” It means to be strong, to have courage, and to be steadfast in faith.  This reveals a person who has a strong unshakeable attitude. He believes. He wants something so deeply that he is pressing toward it, dedicated to securing it, and purposefully occupied with things the Holy Spirit directs that will help him receive it. In using the word “proskartereo,” Paul encourages us to stay focused in prayer, to keep pressing forward in the Spirit, and to refuse to give up until we have received what we have been praying for.

The Greek word translated “prayer” in this verse is “proseuche.” The first part of this Greek word, “pro,” indicates coming face to face with something or someone. Prayer isn’t just a formula to get something. Prayer is the means by which we come face to face with God and have fellowship with Him. In prayer, you become intimate with God. To breakthrough barriers that prevent the answer to your prayer, you must press forward in the Spirit.

The second part of “proseuche” is “euche.” This word indicates petitioning for something in a sacrificial way. Sacrifice is an essential element of prayer. When you come before the Lord, you must come to Him vulnerable and open. You must surrender any changes in your life that He may require. There can be things in your life that hinder His ability to bless you. As you draw closer to God, the Holy Spirit will convict your heart of anything that needs to be surrendered. If you respond to His conviction and repent, the obstacles that were hindering your prayers will be removed. God desires for you to meet Him face to face and surrender every aspect of your life to Him. He promises that in return you will receive the answers you seek.

Paul continued in Colossians 4:2 by saying, “Continue in prayer, and watch.” The word “watch” is the word “gregoreo,” meaning to be awake, to be watchful, or to be vigilant.  When you begin to pray in faith and make the changes God requires, you must remain vigilant and watchful, expectantly anticipating the answers to your prayers. 

The last point Paul made in this verse is that you must “watch in the same with thanksgiving.” The word “thanksgiving” is the Greek word “eucharistia,” which is comprised of two words “eu” and “charis.” The word “eu” means good or well, and it indicates a good feeling about something. The word “charis” is the Greek word for grace. When these two words are combined, the resulting word conveys the idea of having overwhelming good feelings of God’s grace, which flow effortlessly from your heart in response to a promise yet to come.

By using the word, “eucharistia,” Paul taught you must never give up in prayer, but with your whole heart seek your answer from God. As you steadfastly keep a watchful, expectant attitude, stand in faith, thanking God for the answer you have yet to receive. You will discover it’s difficult to be disappointed or feel defeated when you are always thankful. As you wait for the answer to your prayer, hold fast to your promise with a heart full of faith and thanksgiving.

Are you praying for something and the answer still hasn’t come?  Stay focused in prayer, continually pressing forward in the Spirit. Make whatever changes God requires, and always be alert, watching for your answer. Start praising God right now for the answer you have yet to receive.

Perhaps you’ve been tempted to give up on something you’ve been praying for. My friend, never, never give up! Persevere in prayer, keeping your faith strong and alive! Remain alert, watchful, and expectant! At this very moment, you might be on the brink of receiving the answer that has eluded you for so long.

“Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Hebrews 10:35-36).

 

* The understanding of the Greek comes from Rick Renner, "Sparkling Gems from the Greek."

Wield Your Sword!

The story of David and Goliath shows how good triumphs over evil no matter how big the problem. David was prepared to confront Goliath because he had already experienced victories as a shepherd. David’s father trusted him to watch over his flocks. That meant David cared for their needs and protected them.

David loved the sheep, so when a lion and a bear came after them, David killed them. This was a huge accomplishment for David, but God was with him. God had plans for David.

Have you ever had debilitating fear? When the devil can’t break you with one weapon, he will try everything he can to tear you down. Six years ago he tried fear and anxiety with me. He starting painting pictures in my mind that convinced me of death. When I overcame one attack, he would send another. He never let up. He came after my peace and confidence.

I had to learn to stand and resist my attacker like David did. David wasn’t going to let a lion or a bear destroy the flocks. The fear I felt, and the sickness that came were like the lion and bear. David used his past victories to know God would provide another victory. He saw Goliath as just another beast to conquer. “Not on my watch,” David declared. He knew God would deliver him again. The devil’s attackers are sent to destroy us. I’ve had to learn to say “No! Never! You are done!” 

The devil will harass and use any weapon to make us so tired that we give up. His purpose it to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus came to give us an abundant life. This is the very reason we must hide the Word in our hearts. 

We all will have trouble in this world. The Word is God’s weapon to fight the devil’s lies and schemes. Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me.”

We all have lies of the enemy that come against us. No weapon formed against us shall prosper, nor will the accusations and condemnations of the devil tear us down. We have a better weapon. He is the living God, and His Word, Jesus Christ, lives in us. We can shut down the devil’s lies and tricks. Authority is ours in Christ Jesus. 

The cross is good overcoming evil, no matter how big our problem. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was entrusted to care and protect His Father’s flock. He knew the attackers would come to destroy His sheep. But Jesus took care of the sheep’s every need and protected them by giving His life for them. He sealed their deliverance.

What lie is the enemy using against you? God has a sword for you to silence and defeat him. It is His Word for your need. Do you know what that Word is? If you do, how real is its authority to you? Do you stand on it, wielding it, knowing God is your Deliverer? Jesus has taken care of your enemy. He has overcome. Now it’s your time to use the authority He has given you.