Strength – power or might, the ability to exert or withstand great force or pressure.

Resistance Training

Resistance – the act of resisting, opposing, or withstanding.

The Bible says the devil, our adversary, comes to steal, kill, and destroy. What are his targets?

1. STEAL our joy, peace, future, provision, inheritance, focus, etc.
2. KILL our hopes, dreams, destiny, motivation, life, faith, belief, discipline, etc.
3. DESTROY our self-confidence, self-image, health, marriage, business/ministry, reputation, etc.

Let me just say – the devil is not your friend!! Quit listening to him! Recognize him for who he is: a liar and thief, a bully who badgers and intimidates the weaker, a con-artist who swindles your hard-earned possessions. If you listen to him, you will feel beat up and depressed all the time, totally hopeless. But stand up and tell him where to get off. He is trespassing and has no right on your property. You belong to God since you got saved and became His child. God is backing you! You’re his kid. If God be for us, who can stand against us? If God is on our side, how can we fail? 

READ:

James 4:7-8  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

I Peter 5:5-9  Submit to God, Resist the devil. Be alert because your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

Ephesians 6:11-12  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood…but against the spiritual forces of evil.

Just like football players push against sleds to make them stronger, we need practice resisting and pushing against the devil to grow big muscles on the inside. The more you push, the bigger your muscles grow. The bigger your muscles grow, the stronger you become! So instead of crying over spilled milk, or whining and complaining over your circumstances, get up and do something about it. Children cry; adults take action. Stop letting the devil bully you around and take your stuff! God will be behind you all the way saying, “Back off devil! That’s my boy (girl)!”

HOMEWORK & WORKOUT:

1. List some areas that the devil has targeted in your life. These will be your area of focus for the week.
2. Make it a game to bring out your competitive side. Keep score: Every time he gets you (Gotcha!), it’s one point for him. But every time you recognize his tricks, it’s one point for you (You Lose devil!). At the end of the day, add them up and see who won for the day. Every day you should be growing stronger and wiser; and keeping score helps keep you focused.