This week I was reminded of both the reality of our enemy and the triumphant power of God's goodness. It feels like the enemy is attacking on every level right now. Whether it's unplanned financial burdens, stress and lies regarding my ability to parent this new gift that could come at any moment, or just generally trying to get me down, he is absolutely prowling around me. But oftentimes it's weeks like this that remind me how much more powerful my Shepherd is than even a snarling lion.
In Luke 10:18-20 Jesus says, "I know. I saw Satan fall, a bolt of lightning out of the sky. See what I've given you? Safe passage as you walk on snakes and scorpions, and protection from every assault of the Enemy. No one can put a hand on you. All the same, the great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you. Not what you do for God but what God does for you—that's the agenda for rejoicing."
"The great triumph is not in your authority over evil, but in God's authority over you and presence with you." As I read that verse over and over again, it only seems to get richer and richer. In researching Scripture, spiritual warfare overwhelmingly speaks to God's deliverance of his people more than it references any victory in and of ourselves. Paul and Silas didn't command the prison doors to open, as they looked to God in worship he delivered them. Gideon didn't rise up and go to battle with 300 out of his own strength, he looked to the power of God and won the most astounding victory in military history.
Our strength is in the authority of the one to whom we belong. Our power is in the reality of his presence. And what strength and power we have as the beloved child of the Almighty God!
We are only weak when we look to ourselves. We are only alone in the fight when we choose to go our own way. Our victorious King always has a plan. He always wins. There is not a single thing the Enemy or this world could throw at you that he can't overcome. All that's required of you is to look to him, follow where he leads, and find power and hope in his presence. His presence means victory. His authority is boundless.
Take time today to discern where the Enemy is lurking. What lies is he speaking to you? Where is your life not marked by favor and inward abundance? Stand for nothing less than all that God has for you. Stand for peace and peace alone. Look to God until every part of your heart is marked by his authority and presence. And discover that in the midst of any trial, any attack, you can overcome.
By Craig Denison
