The Importance of God’s Word

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Following Jesus does not mean we will have a carefree life. In fact, He clearly tells us that we WILL have trouble in this world. There is no getting around it. Trouble takes on different forms for us at different times in our lives, but one thing is for sure, if you are following Jesus with your whole heart, the devil will be on the attack! He does not like us following Jesus and will do everything in His power to divert our attention and our affections away from Him.

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV).

As believers, we must be mindful, watchful, and aware that spiritual battles are alive and real. We should not take them lightly but instead prepare ourselves and get ready for those times when the attacks do come. We are battling against a supernatural being. He is not of this world, so we cannot fight against him with weapons of this world – it simply will not work.
We prepare ourselves with the armor of God – with His Presence, His Word, His Community … these are the weapons that we use to fight against the roaring lion.

“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV).

The good news is that we are not alone in this battle! God has given us the tools we need to fight against these attacks, and He never leaves us to fight them alone. His Word is the ultimate weapon to fight these attacks. Jesus set the example of battling against Satan with scripture when He himself was attacked (Matt. 4:1-10).

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV).

“Take heart, I have overcome the world!” Remember that God wins! As difficult as battles in your life may be, and they will be at times, He is on our side. We are on the winning team! Don’t give up! Don’t lose hope! Don’t take your eyes off the finish line … the devil will be defeated in your life! Stick close to Jesus and His Word and fight! In Him, we are victorious!

Practical ways to use scripture:

• Spend time every day with Jesus (John 15:1-7).

• Remember that He is faithful and you have a hope that cannot be taken from you (Hebrews 10:23). 

• Don't try to do life alone (Hebrew 10:24-25).

• Confess and repent of sins (1 John 1:9).