Fighting for Every Inch of Your Heart

David Wilkerson (1931-2011)

Satan has turned his wrath on the church of Jesus Christ and he has reserved his worst rage for believers who keep God’s commands and trust in Him. The devil knows this war is his last chance, because only a short time remains before Christ returns for his Bride: “The devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

Satan’s aim is to tempt God’s people to rebel against God, just as he did Adam and Eve. So, how does this apply to you and me? Satan isn’t interested in turning us into degenerates. All he wants is for us to rebel in just one area, which will allow him enough room to get a foothold. He has his principalities and powers on alert to provide him with intelligence reports on us — they read our actions and hear our conversations. And when they pick up on a fleshly weakness, they aim all their temptations at that weak area.

Paul warns, “Put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man … and be renewed in the spirit of your mind … nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:22, 23, 27). The price of an overcoming life is no small matter; it means subjecting our lives wholly to God’s Word, with no dark places, hidden lusts or rebellion. There is power in God’s word — through it he brought all things into being and continues to produce life. By his word, God pulls down kings and raises up nations, and through it he blesses and saves, judges and destroys.

Do not give Satan one inch of ground — that’s all he needs to gain entrance and establish a power base.

Here are a few areas to be mindful of in keeping a strong defense against the enemy:

  • Stay in fellowship with other believers (Hebrews 10:25).
  • Do not hold on to unforgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).
  • Let go of bitterness and strife (James 3:14-16).

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20). When the flood crashes in and you’re overwhelmed, enter into the very presence of God on his throne, because the Lamb has made a way for you, through his blood.