Lately, I have felt weak, weary, and burdened. I think this is because I have been looking to myself when things get tough rather than relying and depending on God, the only One strong enough to defeat the work of the enemy in my life and in this world.
It is not unfamiliar to any of us the ways the devil is at work in this world. We see him transforming the way people see themselves, rewiring the way people think, stealing valuable lives, and speaking despair over the hurting. This all seems quite depressing to share, but it is an important reality to acknowledge, and it is one that we no longer need to fear. Let me tell you why.
The first few verses of 1 John 4 reveal the spiritual warfare going on in this world. This Scripture tells us there are spirits that are from God and there are spirits that are not from God. Furthermore, Ephesians 6 talks about this spiritual battle, saying that our struggle is not against mere people but against the powers of darkness in this world and the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
However, both passages do not end here. God declares boldly in 1 John 4:4 that, when you believe in Him, you are a conqueror of the enemy’s tactics and lies, for the One who lives in you as a believer is greater than the one who lives in the world. The Spirit of God, according to Romans 8:11, dwells in and marks the believer. Furthermore, Paul exhorts us to be made strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, putting on the full armor of God so we can stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Friend, because of what Jesus has done for you, you can stand on the podium of victory and take first place. The battle has already been won for you. Colossians 2:15 says that Jesus has disarmed the rulers and authorities of this world, making a spectacle of them, triumphing over them by way of the cross. Colossians 1:13 says that He has delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to His kingdom of light. Even further, in Luke 10:19, Jesus says that He has given you absolute authority to overcome all power of the enemy.
Friend, the devil has you right where he wants you if you have given into apathy or have decided you are too tired to fight the lies anymore. I want to encourage you now: Please do not give up. Please do not lay your sword down. You have been equipped for this battle while on earth and have the assurance of final victory (Ephesians 6:17, 1 Corinthians 15:57). The body of Christ is with you and God lives in you, so you are not alone in this fight (Hebrews 12:1, 1 John 4:13). Psalm 46:1 says that God is your Refuge and Helper in time of need.
Beloved, there is Someone who died for you to give you life and will never stop fighting for you. He did not stop fighting for your life on the cross, and He will not stop now. So, let’s not allow the devil to beat us up any more. If we submit ourselves to God and resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). Although this will be a daily battle, Jesus has promised us abundant life now and eternal life forever. Romans 8:18 says that the glory to be revealed to us as children of God does not compare with what we suffer now in this world.
We can do nothing of value apart from Jesus. Sure, we can go through the motions each day and try to muster up the strength to “be okay,” but we will not truly live or accomplish anything of great value apart from God and His divine power (John 15:4). Living starts when we realize the truth of God’s perfect love for us—a love that drives out all fear (1 John 4:18). The truth is, God became human for us by sending His Son, who humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2). He conquered the schemes of the devil so we would no longer have to be enslaved by them. Therefore, it is no longer up to us to muster up the strength and prove how hard we can fight; the One in us is greater than the one in this world. This means that you have been declared a mighty conqueror through Jesus.
