As believers we are always faced with challenges.  Our daily walk is filled with ups and downs and we are left to wonder if God even sees what we’re going through. The Word of God says in Matt. 11:12 “The kingdom of heaven has suffered violence.” ( ESV). What does violence mean? It means something intending to hurt or kill. The kingdom suffers every day from an enemy who intends to hurt or even kill us. But notice the next part of the scripture. It says that “the violent takes it by force.” What is that telling us? It’s saying that even though the kingdom is suffering violence it takes violence to forcible take it back.

My wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ God is actually calling you a violent people. And notice what He says. He says BY FORCE. Satan is our adversary. He is an usurper of authority. It means that he takes what is not his. So if he takes what is not his do you think he will willingly give it back? No!!! His whole existence is to bring the Church of God to its knees by any means necessary but God has made provisions for His Church that far outweigh anything Satan can do. What am I saying here? Let me explain. The Word of God says “His divine power has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness”. 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV) It means that God has placed everything in our hands to deal with whatever the Devil throws at us. This doesn’t just cover this natural world but the spiritual as well.

When Christ was leaving this earth He gave His disciples “The great Commission” He said in Matt. 28:18 “All authority in heaven and in earth has been given to me” (ESV). And then He said GO. What happened there is that Jesus was going back to the Father. He had done everything He could do here on earth. He had legally given up His right to be here, which is His body. He now needed a new body to legally function on this earth. That is where we come in. we are His legal body on this earth. The Father give Him all authority (the head) He now in turn releases it to the church (The body). The body is now equipped with ALL AUTHORITY. What does All mean? It means All. Nothing left over.

The Word of God says in Luke 10:19 “Behold I give you Power (authority)” to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy. And nothing shall by any means hurt you.” The Church of God has been given authority to tread upon serpents, scorpions (demons). Notice He also says here and I quote “over ALL the powers of the enemy”. There we see that word again. All means All.  It means that Satan has nothing that he can hold over you. It means that there is nothing the Devil could do to you unless you allow him. It means that your Heavenly Father covered you totally leaving nothing out. “Everything” He says that pertain to life and godliness. And notice He did not just stop there. He says “And nothing shall by any means hurt you” hallelujah!!!!!!! God is saying here not only has He given you everything but you cannot be hurt by the Devil. Then why am I always getting hurt? You may ask. Let me put it to you this way. I am strolling at the back of my neighbour’s yard. I am carrying a big piece of wood in my hands. My neighbour’s back gate is opened and his really large dog jumps out at me. Now, I can just stand there and let the dog hurt me badly or I can use the wood in my hands to fend him off. What we do most of the time as Christian is to just stand there and let the devil pounce at us or turn and run and let him overtake us. God has given us authority to use against him and He promises that when we do we will not be hurt. (That is a promise). Your Heavenly Father says once you stand in Faith He will stand with you. Didn’t He say in His word that the Word that goes forth from His mouth will not return empty but will accomplish what it was sent forth to do. Where is God’s mouth? Take a look in the mirror. It’s your mouth. When you speak His word it will not return empty. All heaven is going to back you up. That’s His promise. The bible also says let God be true and every man a liar. It is up to you to decide who you going to believe, your Heavenly Father or the Devil.