And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:6 NIV)
My victory over fear began when I opened my front door. I got lost on my last walk, but God wouldn’t allow me to hide in my house. First, He pushed me out of the house, then on an airplane, and I flew to New York City to train with my beautiful guide dog, Iva.
That might not sound huge to you, but for a blind woman held in bondage to fear, it was immense.
Now I have an adorable furry companion, who keeps me laughing. I exceled in independence, and I still see God opening doors in the future.
We fight from a point of victory, but if we don’t stand firm, we will allow the enemy to exert power over us that he never had.
Two things give us victory: position and submission. Of course, Christ won the victory on the cross, but we have to walk it out.
Look at our verse above. It shows us where we live, our position. We don’t have to wait until we reach heaven to enjoy our inheritance. We get to do that here on earth, when we live like we are seated in heavenly places. Know who you are and where you are.
We read about submission in James:
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 NIV)
Not only do we submit to God, but we resist the devil. It’s impossible to submit to God when you don’t resist the devil’s temptations, so it’s like a two-sided coin.
We will never have victory as long as sin taints our lives. Regular self-inspection, confession, and repentance help us live sanctified lives.
Submission goes beyond sins of commission, the things we do that displease God. We also must avoid the sins of omission, the things we should do, but fail to do.
What are some things God has asked us to do? The Great Commission, loving one another, and bearing one another’s burdens are some general things Christians should do. Individually, God asks us to do different things. Witness to that person. Write that book. Help that person with a love offering.
Position and submission produce victory. Of course, God’s timing still factors in.
Friend, I pray that this series has helped you as you fight your own personal battles. We know how the Bible ends. We win, but we can begin winning now.
Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory You have freely given me. Help me recognize spiritual warfare. Cleanse me from sin, and keep me far from it. In Jesus’s name. Amen
DIG DEEPER
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)
HIKING THE TRAIL
What do the next steps in submitting to God look like for you? Make a plan to carry them out.
RELATED RESOURCE
A free 7-day prayer guide to help you dress in prayer daily HERE!
Originally posted on May 6, 2022 @ 3:00 am