Do you doubt the Scriptures that say, “God truly cares about the Spirit he has put in us”?
In fact, God treats us with even greater kindness, just as the Scriptures say,
“God opposes everyone
who is proud,
but he is kind to everyone
who is humble.”
Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you.
James 4:5-7
I think every time I have heard someone teach on the verse "Surrender to God! Resist the devil, and he will run from you" the focus of the teaching has been on resisting the devil. That is a good thing, but don't forget that this verse first encourages us to surrender to God.
You can only surrender to someone with whom you are at war. And truly your flesh is at war with God. Even when your spirit wants desperately to do the right thing your body leads you into sin over and over again.
So what happens when you surrender to God and become His prisoner of war? Your Captor immediately controls every part of your life. As a prisoner you have no life of your own. You are not free to roam outside of the confines of your prison. It may sound depressing, but when you are a prisoner of God your incarcerated life is the most gloriously free existence a man or woman can have! Sin no longer has it's grip on your heart and you have the hope of a future that has no equal.
We, of course must resist the devil here on this earth, but don't forget to surrender to God.
"Lord, I once again today surrender to You. May my life this day be controlled by Your Spirit and not by my own fleshly desires. And Lord, help me to see the glorious and eternal freedom of being Your prisoner! Amen."
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