Struggling to beat the devil at his own game?

Struggling to beat the devil at his own game?

Struggling to beat the devil at his own game?
By Wynn Cameron Thompson

Revelations 12:11
“And they overcame him because of the Blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.”

How many times have we struggled with addictions and rebellious behaviour in our lives and not been able to win?! We have Jesus living inside but something else in us just doesn’t want to give into His leading at times. This scripture has really helped me! I came to realise that God had a part to play and I too had my part! Let’s take a deeper look at it.

First, “…they overcame him…” Who? – The devil, the enemy. Our part is that we need to identify the source of our temptation. ‘Him’ could also possibly mean that ‘old self nature/will’ in us that wants to do its own thing.

Second, “…because of the Blood of the Lamb…” This is His part – There is POWER in His Blood! He gave up His earthly life by allowing His Blood to be poured out. It was God’s powerful Spirit that raised Him from death. Christ said, “Follow Me…” Our part is – we can “…overcome…” by following Christ in dying to our will and allowing God’s Will to become our influence and life.

Third, “…and because the word of their testimony…” Our “…testimony…” is our steady, consistent commitment to walk in His footsteps, humble and eager to be obedient to Him that is the key to be able to overcome! Our ability to say “No” in the face of temptation – when we know what is right and wrong. Not what we can get away with but what we can honour our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit with. This is something God can not do, we must act here.

Fourth, “…and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” This is love. Pure, simple and passionate love! Our devoted love in Him. We are focused! We are like a dog with a bone! We will NOT give up, NOR give in!

There is no other way – I have come to say to myself, “No more excuses!” My character and my integrity in Christ, with the world looking on, IS MY IDENTITY!