Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9.
Introduction
End-time believers must be extra vigilant because the enemy, Satan, has become so vicious, virulent, violent, determined and passionate about his game of wickedness. He works to crush anything, destroy anyone and render impotent any destiny as much as he can (John 10:10).
Factually speaking, any rising profile will naturally attract the attention of the enemies of destiny, and mark it as a bigger target for the devil. The bigger the position, the stronger the opposition! It will serve your interests to understand that pretty well.
Satan is on regular surveillance, moving to and fro in the earth, seeking whom to devour and looking for a leading light to turn to darkness (Job 1:7; Luke 22:31). May you never fall prey to him, in the precious Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Please note that the devil often appears disguised whenever he targets a destiny for destruction. This is largely because he actually lacks appeal to any sensible mind.
Occasionally, he appears in the form of a “subtle serpent” to beguile human senses and pervert judgments (Genesis 3:1-4). It was in this fashion he appeared to Eve and to Lot’s wife, and quite unfortunately, he got them (2 Corinthians 11:3).
He also sometimes disguises himself as an “angel of light” to deceive people with false views of spiritual things (2 Corinthians 11:14). Many false and misleading dreams, wrong convictions and strange personal persuasions are products of this appearance.
Albeit, whenever Satan senses that his chances are slim to get at someone in a disguised form, he always resorts to the use of brute force, intimidation and harassment. That’s when he appears like a “roaring lion” to wear down his targets or to destroy them with violent opposition, persecution, terrorism and death (1 Peter 5:8).
In this mode, Satan’s ploy is to devastate our emotions and break our focus. These have always been his goal in all critical issues of life: disasters, protracted sicknesses, hardship, long-term delay, disappointments, chronic lack, etcetera.
Happily, God has promised to ensure that all circumstances in which we find ourselves, good or otherwise, surely end in praise (2 Peter 5:10)! Alleluia!!
Overcoming The Enemies of Destiny
As earlier mentioned, the devil always wishes to have his targets distracted, shut in, sulking and isolated. His chief aim is to keep man totally out-of-touch with God’s plan. And, the major weapon he deploys in order to accomplish this is human ignorance (Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6).
No man ever rises beyond what he knows in life. Indeed, you’re what you know, even in spiritual matters. We all must be open to positive information if we hope to be victorious in the battles of life, and operate as God’s viceroy upon the earth (Psalm 82:5-6). The Bible counsels that an open rebuke is better than secret love (Proverbs 27:5-7; Hebrews 12:6).
Satan also readily engages sin as a potent destiny buster. Immorality, lust, unforgiveness, bitterness, pride, unbelief and, especially secret sins, are dangerous enemies of glorious destinies.
Of a truth, offences will come, but we should never allow them to become unhealed wounds (Luke 17:1; Romans 4:25). The oath of secrecy is the strength of sin; if you don’t want people to say nasty things about you, never do nasty things.
Furthermore, the devil also capitalizes on our apathy, or passionless living, as well as discouragement and our false sense of security in order to obliterate our destinies. A man’s foes can even be members of his own household. We must be watchful and wise!
How To Practically Overcome Satan!
I must emphasize at this point that despite the backdrop of Satan’s ardent wickedness and the notoriety of his workings, the true child of God can rest assured that it’s not everyone that he can swallow.
The believers who are sober, serious with God, humble, vigilant and prayerful are swallow-proof against him (1Peter 5:8). The youngest or even the weakest believer who can exercise a steadfast, pure and firm faith in Christ can overpower the devil.
Nothing in life can stop a man of purpose. No devil, problem, opposition, violence, or drought has the ability to stop you. Only you can stop yourself from great achievements in life through your personal unbelief.
More so, whenever the devil is resisted, he flees (James 4:7). The devil is an already defeated foe. He knows it and each time you resist him he assumes you have known it too, and he understandably flees from you, shrinking and sighing like a lion with its tail between its legs.
Beloved friends and brethren in Christ, whatever you’re going through right now is not an accurate indicator of your final destination. Yes, the devil may have messed you up sometimes, but he cannot stall your destiny all the time, if you only learn early to enlist divine help and engage him in a sure fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:18).
Now, the best way to qualify ourselves for the help of God is to cooperate fully with the Holy Spirit and the principles of His mercy. Please, rely wholly upon the Word, like Jesus did. Be fearless like Joshua. Be humble like Moses, and stay focused like Nehemiah.
Be passionate evermore in your quest for destiny fulfillment. Dwell in Christ as He’s in you. Be prayerful, and never slack with regard to fasting. Those who wait upon the Lord never waste their destinies (Isaiah 40:30-31). This is your day, you won’t lose your luminance, in Jesus name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
** Bishop Taiwo Akinola,
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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