Dear Reader

“Who through faith subdued kingdoms.”* (Hebrews 11:33)

The opposition that is in the way of your obeying God isn’t merely a significant collection of forces or things in opposition; it is an organized, “ruled over” body of opposition. There is intelligence behind it, and coordination of effort. The enemy of our soul has a unified kingdom at his command, by which he opposes us (Matthew 12:25-26).

Consider, just as an example, this situation: The Spirit of God communicates to one of God’s children that they need to draw closer to God, to love and appreciate Him more. The child of God has an “amen” in their heart to this, and begins to endeavor to do their part—perhaps there was something the Lord pointed out that needed to be laid aside, or a setting of the will to spend time alone with God, or an effort to apply themselves to give thanks more. Whatever the real key to a successful response to the Spirit of God is, the devil’s kingdom is aware of it and organizes an attack. Perhaps a reasoning spirit comes in to dispute the necessity of laying aside the thoughts or activities or attitudes that were identified. Another group of spirits stir up various distractions at critical moments. If there is some “success” in hindering, some more spirits begin their assault, emphasizing the difficulties or accusing the person of not really wanting to please God enough, or bringing on a spirit of self-pity. Or, if the person’s initial efforts are successful (because of their asking the Lord for help and leaning on Him), another group of spirits are called in, perhaps flattering, perhaps bringing a sense of complacency or pride.

I neither need nor want to go further on this line, because it is not my purpose to testify on the devil’s behalf. “Who through faith subdued kingdoms.” Praise God! We can place our faith in Jesus and His great kingdom, and subdue, not just a spirit or two that is opposing us, but an entire kingdom of opposition! The “stronger than he”* (Luke 11:21-22) who delivered me in the first place remains willing and able, nay, is fully purposed to subdue the enemy kingdom (1 John 3:8)). Shall I not place my faith in Him, “to will and to do of His good pleasure”* (Philippians 2:13)?

The Lord has help for my will, for any distractions, for any discouragements, for any attitude adjustments I need, for my willingness to suffer for His sake. There is an entire Kingdom prepared to help me, if I will only place my trust in Him.

We need—and thank God, we have—a Savior who is in the business of subduing kingdoms. Let us have faith in Him to do so.

Pray for me.

Love and prayers,
The Editor