Word of the Week

2/27/10

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. II Corinth. 7:5 (NKJV)

When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. Outside there was conflict from every direction, and inside there was fear. But God who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us… II Corinth. 7:5-6 (NLT)

Though Paul was empowered by the Holy Spirit, his flesh sometimes pushed its way to the forefront. Here he encountered troubles and conflict everywhere until he became weary and discouraged, and inwardly fear began to dominate. Satan was surrounding him and seeking to gain a foothold in his mind and spirit. But Paul kept turning to God for help and comfort, and God actively moved to bring someone to Paul who could encourage him.

When we find conflict, envy, anger, bitterness, confused thinking, discouragement, despondency, or fears around us and within us, we can be sure Satan is at the root of it. Rather than allow him a foothold in our mind or spirit, we must rebuke him and use God’s weapons to defeat and remove him. God will always provide a way, an encouragement, or a victory when we turn to Him and yield ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

PRAYER: Dear God, Please enter my life, my thoughts, my words, and my actions to drive out Satan wherever he has sought entrance. Help me to be submissive, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me, and to do my part to actively follow Your will.