Imagine standing with Jesus and hearing these words, “You have the power to tread upon the full force of the enemy.” The sheer courage, power, and strength the disciples must’ve felt. It’s hard to believe that we, too, have access to this unbelievable power. Let’s take a look:

Do Not Rejoice

Interestingly, Jesus instructs his disciples not to take pride in their new power over the enemy. Why? Pride comes before the fall.
By taking pride in defeating the enemy, we subsequently take our eyes off the very person who empowers us to do so (Jesus). Every time we fail to exercise this ability, it is due to our own weakness.
Similarly, every time we succeed in battling the enemy and uprooting sin in our lives, it is solely because the Lord has strengthened us to do so.
Let us never lose sight of the one who equips us for and protects us during battle. Alone, we are weak, but in him, we are strong.

Your Name is Written In Heaven

Jesus instead says to take pride because our names are written in Heaven. The same God that created the beauty of a rainbow and the elegance of a sunset formed us in his image. We have been fearlessly and wonderfully designed for a life of sanctity and greatness.
The enemy has his own mission and would prefer we focus on everything but God. His sole aim is to make us forget the truth of our creation and our creator. In doing so, we walk around a dangerous world with no source of identity or security.
Take pride! Your name is written in Heaven. It’s where our souls began when we were just an idea in God’s mind. It’s where our souls are destined to return if we only claim the power that Christ wants so desperately to bestow upon us.

Take Action

Make a list of everything that makes you unique. Thank God for these traits and resolve to strengthen them over the course of the week.
Make a list of your current struggles and sufferings. Recognize that God has delivered you from these battles. Guided by prayer, begin writing down solutions to all these problems and implement the easiest one.

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