Given May 16, 2018 
We know the devil is always after God’s people to distract, deceive and destroy us. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;” (John 10:10). We have all encountered him in our lives, some of us more than others. He is looking for those who are vulnerable, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8), which tells me Satan can’t influence everyone, only those who are not prepared, don’t have on the armor or aren’t with God. However James 4:7 says, “Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
So, I want you to picture this in your mind: The devil is confronting and challenging you with confidence. He thinks he’s found someone who is vulnerable and he’s ready to pounce. Now, God is there nearby in the shadows, (“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5), if you’re a Christian, He’s always there. But, this time, since you’re trying to handle things on your own, (bad decision), you realize you can’t do it and are afraid. You come to your senses and call out to Jesus, “Lord, forgive me, I can’t do this!” By praying that, you are submitting to Him and He steps out of the shadows in all His glory! The devil sees this and knows he’s in trouble if he sticks around. He sees now that you are not someone he can bully and he runs away in defeat.
Jesus comes over to you, puts His arm around you and says, “Child, you shouldn’t be trying to do things on your own, it’s not going to work out for your good.” “Stick with Me and I’ll give you wisdom, direct your way and teach you how to win in this life.” “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ,” (2 Corinthians 2:14). “You’ve got to give me control and I’ll handle most things but will give you some freedom as you learn and develop.” “Sometimes you won’t understand it or why it’s taking so long but you just have to trust Me and thank Me for it.” “Is it a deal?” To which you reply, “God, I submit, I give You full control and I thank You for the outcome.”
You may be in a battle, trial or test right now. I’ve found that when I’m feeling like I don’t know what to do or how to proceed, I just pray, “God, I don’t know what to do so I hand this all over to You and I thank you for whatever you decide.” “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;” (Psalm 55:22). So submit and reveal that power that is in you and watch the devil flee!
