Today’s blog is one written to Christians to help you to learn that Satan cannot move in and set up an attack position in your life overnight; the steps of establishing a stronghold take time.
The issue is the influence that Satan can exert on you. Any amount of control that is allowed from your life to be given to him is “Surrendered Ground”. Without the cooperation and permission of the individual Satan cannot take this ground. He may influence you: plant evil thoughts, make suggestions, place temptations in your life. Think of “Surrendered Ground” as a legal jurisdiction. When you give ground to Satan, you are giving him legal permission to attack. He desires ground to be given to him so that he might establish strongholds. With a firm enough foothold in your life, he can turn an act of sin into a regular practice. From there it degenerates into a habit which leads downward to bondage.
Now it is important to note here that we are not saying that every single time we sin, that we give huge chunks of ground over on which he can build a towering stronghold. Instead, we give ground when we refuse to let go of our sin, confess it, and turn from it. “Surrendered Ground” is the enemy’s entry point into our lives. God’s word gives a clear description of Satan yet the description in our world today of Satan is different, they are two different depictions
Satan is not the comical, horned creature dressed in red that is many times used to illustrate him. God’s Word says that: 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Satan is of the spirit world, he knows our weaknesses. He understands our infirmities and uses them to great advantage against us. Some of the most powerful weapons in his arsenal are psychological. Many Christians find themselves defeated by one of the most powerful weapons he has. Its effectiveness is that of a deadly missile. It is a weapon with a gut-level feeling that shackles many Christians, in spite of wonderful spiritual experiences, in spite of their faith and knowledge of God’s Word.
It was advertised one day that the devil was to have a sale. Tools would be sold while on public display. Each was placed on a table with the price clearly marked. They were a treacherous lot of implements-Hatred, Envy, Jealousy, Deceit, Lying, Pride, and many other tools. Aside from the rest, harmless in appearance lay another tool, well-worn and priced very high.
“What is the name of this tool?” the seller was asked.
“Oh, that is discouragement” was the terse reply.
“Why is it priced so high?”.
“Because it is more useful to me than any other, I can pry open and get inside a man’s heart with that, when I cannot get near him with other tools. Once inside, I can make him do what I choose. Badly worn, oh yes it is, for I use it on almost everyone, since few know that it belongs to me”.
We offer up “Surrendered Ground” when we allow Satan to use this powerful psychological weapon against us. So what can we do to assure that we do not offer over any “Surrendered Ground” to the enemy?
There are times life appears to be going well, then with little or no warning, adversity strikes, discouragement invades our life and we are called into action. There are also times such as we are seeing today. Challenges and concerns about our well being and that of those around us. Things are certainly not like they were even a few months ago. Life has changed dramatically for al of us. We are not able to do what we had before. We are required to do things that we are not comfortable with in order to do what is best for the whole. It is certainly not about us right now, is it? Actually it never has been but that is a topic for another day.
Let me share with you 4 critical things that we all can do to assure that we do not offer over any “Surrendered Ground” to the enemy.
1) When adversity comes, remember God is with you
Hebrews 13:5b
…“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 46:1-2
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble
.2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
2) Trust God to do what we cannot do for ourselves, remain faithfully focused Him
1 Peter 1:6-7
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
3) Remember that no one is immune from adversity, and no one enjoys its company, God has a plan, purpose, and goal for your life
Hebrews 10:35-36
35 Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
4) Turn to God and affirm your commitment to Him
Isaiah 45:22
“Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.
What is the quickest way through times of discouragement and adversity? There is no quick solution when facing trials. There is however one sure way through those difficulties and that is through obedience and surrender of selfish feelings and desires. Adversity will stir prayer as never before and in that prayer is the shelter from the storms of life.
Under a canopy of God’s presence, we discover a sense of security and hope that we thought had evaded us. Without times of discouragement and adversity, you would miss the powerful experience of God with you through the valley times of life.
In 1 Corinthians is a promise from God given to us through the words of His apostle Paul
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Stay close to God in devotion and prayer and read His Word.
A thought to ponder,
Elbert Nasworthy
