“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” - James 4:7

The devil is a defeated foe, but he is still dangerous. Think of him like a dog on a leash; he has a limited range, but if you get too close, he can still bite. He has no power over your eternal destiny, but he can still harass, discourage, and distract you if you let him, so you must stand firm in your authority.

There is a specific order in this verse that acts as the key to spiritual victory: submit to God first, then resist the devil. Many people try to resist the devil without first submitting to God, and they fail miserably. Your power to resist comes entirely from your submission to God. When you are walking in obedience and humility before God, you are covered by His authority. From that posture of submission, you can turn and face the enemy. You can say no to his lies and go to his temptations. He may roar like a lion to scare you, but he has no teeth when you are standing on God’s promises.

I have learned that the enemy often attacks right before or right after a significant spiritual victory. When I was preparing to launch a new community outreach, everything started going wrong at home. Arguments flared up, cars broke down, and sickness hit. I realized this was not a coincidence; it was resistance. Instead of fighting the circumstances, I submitted the project and my family to God in prayer. Then I boldly rebuked the discouragement. The atmosphere shifted almost immediately.

Is there an area of your life where you sense spiritual opposition or constant discouragement? Submit that specific area to God right now in prayer. Then, speak out loud and command the enemy to flee in Jesus’ name.

Father, I submit my life, my family, and my future completely to You. Give me discernment to recognize the enemy’s attacks and the boldness to resist him with Your authority. Thank You that he must flee when I stand firm in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.