Doesn't it seem strange that when the apostle Paul talks about wrestling the demon forces that rule this world he says to have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace? It doesn't seem to match up does it?
Paul already told us that it wasn't flesh and blood that causes us trouble. It is the devil. We can't stop somebody from being mean. We will violate his God-given choice to either be bad or good. BUT, the devil is a different story. In Luke 10:19, Jesus plainly tells us that He gives us authority over all of the power of the enemy. Jesus deputized us and made us the sheriff of our situation. We have the authority, backed by all the powers of Heaven, to tell the devil to stop hindering us and leave us alone. No doubt you've prayed and prayed for just such a deliverance and nothing has happened so far.
Let's go back and check on some things. Are you strong in your relationship with God like Jesus is? Are you strong in the Word of God like Jesus is? Do you have the Word of Truth fastened securely about you like He does? Do you walk in agape love like He does? Do you always do what the will of the Father is like He does?
To make it shorter let's say it this way. If we love the way that Jesus does, and believe the Word of God like He does and we steadfastly intend to walk in line with the will of God like He does then we'll get the results like He does. We might have to wait for it, but we'll get it. If we know Him deeply we will trust Him with everything that is in us. No doubting. And the answer will come.
Now let's get to the question at hand. Do we really want to walk in His peace? I'm not talking about laying down and letting the devil stomp on us and still try to be peaceful in our spirit. That is the wrong attitude.
When it dawns on you that the devil, and not people, is the reason you're not walking in the blessings of God, you're getting ready to walk in peace. When you start walking in agape love with God and others, you're getting ready to walk in peace. When you walk in agape love and the Holy Spirit starts rising within you, you're getting ready to walk in peace. When the Holy Spirit nudges you one day and you realize that 'greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world', you're getting ready to walk in peace. When the ability to bind the devil's power begins to make more sense than sitting there and letting him run over you, YOU are getting ready to walk in peace.
When God's Word becomes more real to you than any problem you face, you're getting ready to walk in peace. When you FINALLY stand up on the inside and begin to claim what is yours in the Word of God, now you're ready to walk in peace.
I haven't received everything that I am believing God for, but I'm walking in peace. I know that God is righteous enough to give me what He has promised me. And, I refuse to allow the devil or any of his imps to retain possession of them.
Recap: Be strong in what Jesus is strong in. Tighten up the belt of the Word of Truth. Put on the breastplate of righteousness. And have your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Aren't you ready for some peace?
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