Are You a Victor Or a Victim?
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
1 Corinthians 15:7 MEV
If we look at the earth’s circumstances with our natural eyes, we would wonder who is in charge? It seems like evil and wickedness reign supreme. Right is being called wrong or unnecessary, and wrong is being called right, and people are embracing and enjoying it.
Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
The real war that is raging on the earth is invisible. We can’t see the enemy that is wreaking havoc in our lives. The Bible refers to these enemies as principalities and powers. There was a time when they ruled the atmosphere and in the hearts of men and women. But Colossians 2:15 tells us that Jesus disarmed them at the cross, made a public spectacle of them, and overthrew them, which means He took their authority.
Principality (arch) means first in rank, beginning, chief, and a supernatural power that controls humankind’s destiny and activities. Principalities have rulership over certain geographical areas, such as countries, cities, and communities. Daniel 10 speaks of the prince of Persia who ruled over Persia and held up the answer to Daniel’s prayers for 21 days.
Principalities are organized and strategic. They have a strategy for destroying certain groups of people, governmental entities, and organizations.
Powers (exousia) means authority. They are strongholds or false arguments— a fortress, a place that’s hard to penetrate. Powers work more in the mind of individuals to cause false beliefs.
Fear is a stronghold. I used to be held in bondage by this spirit, and so many people still are. For instance, people fear taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and they are fearful of what will happen if they don’t. Dread due to indecisiveness is a stronghold that torments. This is how powers operate. Let’s be clear, to choose not to take the vaccine is a personal choice, but to be held in bondage to fear or dread is allowing spiritual powers to dominate our lives.
2 Timothy 1:7 tells us, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
1 John 4:18 states, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”
You might be thinking, if Jesus disarmed principalities and powers at the cross, why are they prevalent today? Why are they an influence in people’s lives today? The answer is simple. We permit them to rule in our situations when we disobey God. This is why the Scriptures warn us, “…nor give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:27 NKJV). Don’t rent the devil any space in your mind or life.
The war is raging, but we can be victorious through Christ Jesus. Merely saying we are victorious doesn’t make us the victor. Doing what God requires of us makes us victorious in Christ Jesus.
Are you are victor or a victim?
Dear Lord, help me to rise above adverse circumstances by obeying Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Posted by on Wednesday, April 7th, 2021 @ 10:17AM
Categories: Inspirational
Tags: defeat, dread, fear, Powers, Principalities, victim, victor
