We are living in times where it would be hard, if not impossible to find one thing or the other to worry over. Harsh financial conditions, unemployment, corruption, killer sicknesses and diseases, immorality and countless other challenges all make it only natural to be anxious. But you don’t have to give in to this temptation if you are a child of God.
1 Peter 5:6-8
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
8Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”.
Anxiety is the devil’s drink; it intoxicates like strong wine. When you are anxious, you lose your spiritual and mental attentiveness, and then you make bad decisions as a result of not being spiritually and mentally alert. You become ‘devourable’ as a result of your lack of vigilance and sobriety.
But Pastor Burckson, “I pay my tithes, so how could the devil possibly devour me?” Well, let me tell you, giving tithes and offerings alone will not stop the devourer. You will have to cast your cares upon Jesus and remain sober and vigilant if you will become unmanageable for Satan. Jesus cares more about the state of your heart than your giving. Once He told the disciples, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23 -24).
The Antidote
Live on the fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Love, joy and peace are effective antidotes to the plots of the devil.
Be grateful
Ingratitude is inspired by Satan. It is a trap of the devil to stop and devour you. Rather than worry about what you do not have, be thankful for what you do have. The Bible says, “Be anxious for nothing but in all things by prayer and supplications WITH THANKSGIVING let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6 NKJV). Gratitude is a statement of your faith in God, and faith is the key you need to unlock the answers that you are seeking.
Take your eyes off your problems and focus on living the fruit of your born again spirit. That way you will become unmanageable for the devil.
Rule and Subdue the Earth!