In the middle of a battle? Or… see a battle looming in the distance? Or… have you just emerged from a really, really difficult battle? In every one of those scenarios, they have one thing in common – capitulation is not an option! Don’t even look in that direction let alone move that way.
WHY would you ever just give up, give in? What do you think you will gain from doing that? A moment of rest? Hardly. If the devil thinks that you are on the edge, he will fight even harder to make you tip off the edge. Winning is everything to him. If he thinks that he can tire you out, or frustrate you, or continue his lie that you will never win – he will increase the stress. If nothing else, that should make you very angry. A moment’s rest is not for any of us waging battle. However, knowing what our Commander Jesus wants us to do is paramount to winning.
“You are looking [only] at the outward appearance of things. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, he should reflect and consider this, that just as he is Christ’s, so too are we.” [2 Corinthians 4:7]
Again, the issue can be our focus. Who are we? What can we do against the snares of the devil? Look at all the devil has and is continuing to do! Is that what you’re thinking? Are you granting the devil more power than he has because you are weary? or frustrated? or feeling you are losing? Turn to the Word because it gives us our answers to those questions.
“For though we walk in the flesh [as mortal men], we are not carrying on our [spiritual] warfare according to the flesh and using the weapons of man. The weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood]. Our weapons are divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ, being ready to punish every act of disobedience, when your own obedience [as a church] is complete.” [v. 3-6]
Another weapon in this battle is found in James 4:7
“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.”
Did you consider your resisting as a weapon against the devil? It is. But only when you use it. Certainly it may seem restful, for a moment, to give in but look at your loss when you do. Is it worth it? Because giving in and/or giving up IS capitulation. Now listen to how the Message Bible phrases James. 4: 4-10
“You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble. So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”
I am a fan of the Message Bible because it is so in your face. And sometimes, that’s precisely what we need. This is one of those times. Do you see how you contribute to the condition you’re in? Do you understand your responsibility? Use this as your foundation. Realize you aren’t fighting alone – and yes, there is a great cloud of witnesses cheering you on. But look again at your weapons, what’s available to defeat the devil. The primary one is the Word. Jesus used this to defeat him, why don’t we follow this example? 1 John 4:4
“(believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind].’
Did you see that?! ALREADY overcome. What the devil is doing is attempting to make you believe him, that he is the strongest, he can do all things and you are incapable of defeating him. No so. Not so. At the darkest moments and a breath before you give in – remember that capitulation is not an option… it isn’t even a suggestion
“He who is in you is great than he who is in the world!
