I’ve got a quote I want
you to remember. “Sometimes, your destiny is determined by what you’re willing
to ignore.” Think about that for a moment. There are some things that you don’t
even need to listen to. Some folks, you don’t need to give an audience
to—especially when negativity is at the heart of the message.
For example, we know the devil is a liar. Here’s what Jesus says about him, “He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44b NIV).
Now, that’s pretty plain, huh? Basically, Jesus was letting us know that the enemy has no new bag of tricks. He’s been employing the same old tired, insipid, trite, and pitiful methods for thousands of years now. He’s doing the same old thing today. Can a leopard change his spots? Nope. Can the enemy speak truth? Nope. Lies originate with him.
Now, let’s consider something else, shall we? If we know that the devil is a liar, why do we willingly lend him our ears? Why do we feed into the lies he hurls at us? Why do we allow him to decry, devalue, and disparage us? Why do we allow him to diminish our trust in God? Why do we allow him to send us into a tailspin and convince us that life is spiraling out of control?
We sink into the depths of despair after letting him get in our ear. He tells us, “It’s all over.” “You’re goin’ down this time.” “It’s not worth it.” “Give up.”
Why would you trust anybody who never has anything positive or uplifting to say? Why do we trust in a liar rather than putting our full faith, hope, and assurance in the only One that loves us beyond measure?
Stop giving your ear to the enemy. Instead, rebuke him and put him in his place. Do you know where that is? Under your feet! But as long as you let him stay in your ear, you can’t keep him under your feet.
You see, once he has your ear, it’s fair game. Then, after he latches on, he’s
not letting go . . . not unless you resist him by the authority of Jesus
Christ. Here’s what you have to do: “Submit
yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James
4:7 NIV).
I want you to take your ear back, take your mind back, and snatch your joy back. Tune that old liar out and hear what God is saying today. He wants you to know that you’re the head and not the tail. You’re blessed and highly favored. You’re victorious through Christ Jesus. Let God build you up. Let Him strengthen you. Let Him speak life to you today. Let Him minister to those wounded areas.
Remember, when you give God free reign in your life, the enemy has got to flee. “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered” (Psalm 68:1a).
Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
