Trials and Pain: This Does Not Come From God

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.—James 4:7

I have had times in my life and ministry when the burdens and the pressures seemed to be too much. Sometimes physical weariness adds to our problems and our temptation to give in to discouragement and doubt. At these times it seems that even in prayer it is impossible to rise above the load. More than once, by faith that seemed to have been imparted directly from heaven, the Lord has enabled me to claim all that I needed for body, soul and spirit. On my knees I have been given freedom and strength to pray, "Now, Lord, I have had enough of this-I refuse to take any more of this heaviness and oppression! This does not come from God-this comes from my enemy, the devil! Lord, in Jesus' name, I will not take it any longer— through Jesus Christ I am victor!" At these times, great burdens have just melted and rolled away—all at once.

Brethren, God never meant for us to be kicked around like a football. He wants us to be humble and let Him do the chastening when necessary. But when the devil starts tampering with you, dare to resist him I Talk Back to the Devil, p. 15

"Thank You, Father, that 'greater is He that is in [me] than he that is in the world.' I resist any attempt of Satan to defeat me today and will conquer in the victory You guarantee. Amen."