Devotionals by Pastor Chuck Swindoll

We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)

It is in the vulnerable and unseen areas that Satan focuses his attention. He battles through people or without people. He battles in events, in depression, in success, or in failure. He battles in money or in poverty, when numbers increase or decrease, among elders who aren’t qualified to lead and parishioners who aren’t submissive to the Holy Spirit. He is constantly at work, bent on our destruction.

Why does he despise God’s people and fight so insidiously against us? The answer must not be overlooked: he has a consuming hatred for the mission of Christ. Knowing that he can’t overthrow it—because the gates of Hades will never do that—Satan plays a wicked game of spiritual chess. He knows he’s doomed, but he’ll get your last man if he can. He knows Christ has already won, but he won’t give up without an ugly and continuing fight.

How can we be on the alert with a sober spirit? We can defend ourselves against the enemy’s schemes by “taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Isn’t that a great verse! Since Satan makes our minds his battlefield, our best defense is to surrender our thoughts to Jesus Christ and ask Him to guard and protect us. When we release ourselves to Him, He takes charge, and Satan backs off.

I make this practical in my own life by regularly telling God, “Lord, I need You right now; take charge of this. I need Your thoughts, I need Your strength, I need Your grace, I need Your wisdom, I need specific truths from Your Word, and I need Your very words. Protect me from fear. Hold me near. Give me resilient courage. Get me through this stormy time.” He will; He’ll get you through—victoriously.

It is only by focusing on the Word of God that we can set our minds on God’s interests instead of man’s. It is only through His Spirit that we can find divine enablement. It is only through prayer to God that we confess our vulnerabilities, our weaknesses, and our total need of God’s strength in life and ministry.

Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. 

Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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