December 4
Resist Steadfast in the Faith
1 Peter 5:9

  1. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
  1. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset], --rooted, established, strong, immovable and determined—knowing that the same (identical) sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world. The Amplified Bible

Yesterday we saw that the devil is your enemy seeking those who he may devour.  This verse tells you how to deal with him.  You are to resist him steadfast in the faith.   The Word of God is the foundation you stand on as well as your weapon against him (Luke 6:46-49, Matthew 4:1-11, Ephesians 6:13-17).  Through faith in God you will be able to become more like God and as you do you are becoming less and less like the devil.  As your nature becomes more and more like Jesus Christ then you are defeating the devil and all of his tactics.  The devil would like you to be just like him, just as God would like you to be like Him.  But thank God, God has given you the authority and the ability to be like Him through Jesus Christ.  Know that when you’re born of God your faith overcomes the world (1 John 4:4). Jesus has given you authority over the devil and you are told not to give him any place (Ephesians 4:27).   Be diligent and determined in resisting the devil and all that he represents.  And you can take comfort in knowing you’re not alone in going through the things you go through.  The same afflictions are experienced by your brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world.

God is not trying to bring you down by bringing evil upon you.  Learn to recognize the difference between what God is doing and what the devil is doing.  That may sound pretty simple but the devil is a master of disguise.  He will try and convince you that something he wants done is really what God wants done.  Because if you believe God wants something then you will accept it.  You won't accept it if you know it's what the devil wants.  The devil is a deceiver but God is the One, as it says in verse 10, Who will make you perfect or complete, establish you, strengthen and settle you.  You need to know that God loves you tremendously and through Jesus Christ He’s provided a way for you to have His life which brings peace, health and prosperity!

 

Confession:

I resist the devil and all that he represents steadfast in the faith.  I know I am not the only one who goes through difficult times.  But I know that Jesus triumphed over him for me and has given me His nature, the authority to use His name in the earth and He has given me His Word to stand on.

Obedience is a tree of life!