Submit and Resist

“Be well balanced and always alert, because your enemy, the devil, roams around incessantly, like a roaring lion looking for its prey to devour. Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure.” (1 Peter 5:8-9, TPT)

We know how to submit to God, but how do you resist the devil? We resist the devil by refusing to partner with him. Praying, reading the word aloud to cause him to stumble, and declaring out loud something like, “I see you, and I will not partner with you. Go back to hell where you belong,” are all ways we can take authority and resist the devil. The key is to be constantly aware and sensitive to the spiritual world around you.

Discerning spirits is one gift of the Holy Spirit. It simply means being aware of which spirit you are encountering. Is it of God, or is it evil? You can tell when you begin to exercise your gifts and abilities. When it doesn’t feel right, it usually isn’t.

Have you ever woken up in a bad mood? Just consider the possibility there is a spirit nearby trying to influence your day even before it begins. You have no reason you can think of for feeling this way. You’re irritated and impatient for no apparent reason. Well friend, remember those emotions DO NOT come from the Holy Spirit. Also, just because we’ve come a long way in learning to resist doesn’t mean we’ll never be tempted to fall back into our old patterns. Now is the time to exert your authority. Don’t let it reach a point of reactivating those triggers of fear and uncertainty we’ve worked so hard to overcome.

Precious one, ask yourself, “Do I believe Him or not?” I put this question to people all the time. People I have counseled and who know the strategies and tools for deliverance understand the question. God has revealed Himself to us and revealed His promises. If we submit to Him and put Him first, we have dominion over the enemy—period! Go back and read Genesis 1:26. Remember, we were given dominion over everything. You didn’t know you had superpowers, did you?

My Prayer for You

“Lord, I ask you to guide and direct the steps of this child of yours. I thank you for connecting us and allowing us to learn and grow together. Give them courage, wisdom, and knowledge in every situation. Let them have encounters with you in visions, dreams, and through witnessing miracles. Lord, wrap them in your loving arms and protect them, provide for them, and may they have absolutely no doubt of who they are and whose they are. This precious one is your child, a child of the King. Thank you. I give you all the praise, honor, and glory in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!”

Declaration / Affirmation (read aloud)

I will be more aware of my emotions and attitudes and understand they can be a doorway allowing the enemy to enter. I refuse to partner with the enemy and will bind and rebuke his efforts to manipulate me. I refuse to allow anything but peace and joy to rule my day. I have dominion over all things and I choose to exercise it in Jesus’ name!