HELEN SANDERS
2-24-2022
RESISTANCE
I have a friend that works out at the gym. She goes there to improve her health. It was that or face a death sentence since she had so many physical issues. There are many machines there that can be used to work the heart, the muscles, and help bring her into a healthy body. Most of the machines use resistance to do this.
Resistance causes us to have to work those muscles whether it feels good or not. It strengthens them and makes them work better. I am sure that there were many days that her body ached as she went through this physical exercise.
Then there is the spiritual side of things. Did you know that resistance builds our spiritual muscles? This resistance comes from using our faith. In James 4 we are given some great spiritual advice. In verse 6 it says, “…God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” This resistance means when we have pride in our life that God will push against us. The word resisteth means to stand against, oppose, resist, withstand. I would say that it would not be a good place to be to have God oppose us.
Then verse 7 tells us, “Submit yourselves therefore to God, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Many take this verse out of context and just use the latter part of the verse, where it says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee.” If we do not submit ourselves (humble ourselves) then we cannot expect the rest of the verse to work for us. It would be like buying exercise equipment and never using it.
Verse 8 says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded.” It starts with us. We make the decision to submit ourselves to God, and then we can expect things to change. Then and only then will the devil flee from us when we resist him.
As we draw to God through exercising our faith by reading and studying the Word of God, we get stronger and become able to resist the devil. It is necessary to be the victor instead of the victim. Don’t resist God’s correction when He speaks to you. It will help you to mature in your Christian walk. It takes time for your spiritual muscles to develop, but God will help you if you submit yourself to Him.
Thanks for being with us!
Russell and Helen Sanders
Spirit of Life Ministries International
www.spiritoflifeintl.org
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