Are You Living In Victory????

[Sister Sonya Wilcox]

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

When we forget that Satan's powers are only temporary, we "play it safe" in our spiritual battles. We fear stepping out in faith or sharing Christ with others, but we need to remember that Christ has secured the victory.        We must die continuously to self in order to live in victory. Scripture tells us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). The more we submit ourselves to God, the easier we can resist Satan.        Satan often tries to sneak in through the back door, so we must be on guard. As we guard against attack, we must be prepared spiritually. "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:13). The armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, our feet fit with the readiness to deliver the Gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (see Ephesians 6:10-18).        Another sure method of keeping the enemy on the run is praising God. But our praise can't be for show--it needs to be genuine adoration of God with our mind and heart and words. Not only will our praise honor God and defeat the devil,it will also uplift our spirits in the midst of battle. The psalmist declares, "Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. He is my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge" (Psalm 144:1-2).        Father, help me to always remember that You have secured the victory and I don't need to be afraid. Thank You for being my fortress and my shield. Amen.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57).

[Sister Sonya Wilcox]

Some of us may be in a vulnerable position where the adversary has easy access We must make sure our life is firm upon the solid rock of Jesus Christ. Unless we purposefully stay close to Him, the devil will draw us away from God. Be like a branch that stays attached to the vine so that victory is ours.

Believers must stay alert with regard to the Enemy. When we are reading the Word, praying, and spending time with other believers, good protection is in place. By memorizing Scripture, we have truth in our hearts to shield us against deception. In addition, we can tell Satan to flee in the name of Christ (Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17).