Dear Friends,
I recently had an epiphany that has changed the way I see things and it has given me the power to say "NO" to the devil. This has helped my relationship with God as well as giving way for God to protect my soul
What is the epiphany? It is "Satan has no power".
"All power was given unto Jesus in heaven and in earth."(Matt 28:18). What the devil has is an illusion of power; he uses our desires and cravings to find ways to control us. When he gains that control, he is likened to a boss over your life that makes you do things. The only way to refuse an instruction from your boss is to report to upper management or quit.
Translating this to spiritual matters, the only way to stop his control over your life is to report him to your heavenly father and ask that he gives you the strength to resist the devil. The next step after receiving that strength is to quit all form of sin and say "NO" to the devil.
The devil knew he had no power or control over Job that is why he had to get permission from God to test Job. When he still could not reach him, he asked God for permission to take away all that Job had. My believe is that the devil thought he could stimulate a craving and desire for the restoration of lost things and make Job to deny God, just the way he tempted Jesus and offered the world to him at the top of the mountain.
One thing that was interesting about the story of Job was the fact that God loved him so much that he told Satan to do as he pleases but he should not touch his soul. God loves us and he would not give us more than we can handle, he protects our soul through all our trials and temptations.
I know that I personally give an excuse that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak but what changed my view is that, if I found out that my boss was not really my boss but due to lack of management, he/she has been playing the role. It gives me the strength to say "NO" to some instructions, especially if I feel that I am being over-worked or not paid fairly for what I do.
So now that you know that the devil has no power but uses your cravings and desires to control you, stop that control today by submitting to God. The bible says "submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:17).
Have a blessed day and enjoy saying NO.
With Love
SoulCare4All