The Greater Power
“Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.” 1 Chronicles 29:11 ESV
I was asked this question one day by a colleague: “Do you believe in the devil?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” Then he stated, “Then you must believe in God, because if you believe in the devil, then you’ve got to believe in God.” I answered him by saying, “Yes, I do believe in God, and I believe that your statement is very true, but I don’t like to chat about the devil much. I prefer not giving him too much recognition. I’d rather chat about God because He is more powerful and the One who’s worth chatting about.” I suppose he was pondering my reply because a sudden quietness came over the room.
We should be aware of Satan, the devil, and recognize his ploys, but God is bigger. We need to keep our eyes on the bigger being—GOD.
Our enemy’s attacks can be large and lengthy, or they can come through acquaintances with well meaning intentions, yet we should be aware who they originate with, and keep in mind that God allows them. We also need to do something about it. God give us choices.
When we make our decision to accept Jesus into our heart and life, we then receive His power of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, when we recognize a ploy, we can simply say to our adversary “bug off” or whatever words we so choose. Power comes through prayer, and God teaches us how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13.
Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matthew 16:23 NLT). Peter wasn’t Satan, but he was being used as Jesus’ adversary. An adversary is one who opposes us or interferes in our designed accomplishments. Jesus was aware that Peter’s feelings were interfering with God’s plan and was quick to point that out.
When these challenges come, I’m reminded of this hymn. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of this earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.”*
Lord, we are so thankful that You give us the power to combat our adversary when we keep our eyes on You. Thank You for being by our side at all times. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Amen. When we turn our eyes on Jesus and call on Him, the devil has to leave. Thank you for the reminder.
Amen!!
Greater is He who is in me, then he who is in the world!!