Why some are affected by the devil and some resist

The greatest gift God has given us, besides Himself, is revelation. Discover the importance of revelation in this excerpt from the book 'The Secrets of Spiritual Authority'.

What God has made available to man was previously unknown, unimaginable, and unsuspected. The spiritual world is rich and complex, and we need to know it and what is happening there. Yet it is clear that the vast majority of us are far from the mark. The question of our authority is a clear demonstration of this, and unfortunately, many are tormented by this ignorance.

About twenty years ago, I was in contact with a group of people, some of whom, I discovered, made fun of me. Why?

Because I was teaching about the reality of redemption and the authority of the Christian over the forces of darkness. Their leader was a precious brother who loved the Lord. However, the group had an attitude of fear and defeat toward the forces of darkness.

They felt my perspective was based on ignorance of the spiritual world. To them, I came from a privileged background, divorced from satanic activities and witchcraft. They imagined I knew nothing and that was why I was not terrified of the devil. The truth of God's Word had not penetrated their hearts.

Years later, I met one of them, someone I greatly appreciate and who admitted to me that he had turned to my teachings, which had helped him through a difficult period in his life.

God's Word does not reflect our experiences in a fallen world. It reflects God's mind, which will change our experiences. Whether it's about demonic oppression, victory over sin, or even endurance in affliction, we need revelation. We need to understand the ins and outs of the new covenant.

Romans 5 shows us the joy of the Christian who boasts in the hope of sharing the Father's glory. Such a Christian knows his identity and does not tremble before circumstances or attacks.

Understanding Our Identity in Christ

Upon his conversion, a servant of God went to the elders of his home village and all those involved in occult and harmful activities in his family. He made an announcement to them. He announced that power had changed hands, and that from now on, they must cease their occult activities and stop terrorizing others.

He no longer wanted to hear about their wickedness and witchcraft. At first, they were offended. They wanted to react against him and quickly realized that he wasn't joking; spiritually, he was untouchable. On the contrary, he dominated them.

One of his half-brothers tried to kill him with witchcraft despite his warnings. He died as a result. It sounds brutal, but the world is brutal, and so are the powers that rule it. Too many Christians fall victim to the occult because they are either soft or ignorant. Exercising our authority is tied to our understanding of who we have become through Jesus' sacrifice. This is where everything changes.

All of God's power is at our disposal when we do His will. The devil is obliged to let go. We need to understand that exercising authority over circumstances and the forces of darkness is not a fantasy. The power of the devil who opposes us can in no way match or even approach the power of God.

We have already been given authority over all the power of the enemy and the guarantee that the Lord Jesus gives us is that nothing will be able to harm us.

(end of excerpt)

Ignorance attracts the forces of darkness and perpetuates their unwholesome activities. Pursue revelation. Seek divine wisdom. There is something we do not know that is causing the continuation of dark deeds in our lives. Knowledge of God, of our victory in Christ, is the antidote to satanic bites.

So why are some affected? Because the enemy takes advantage of their ignorance, because some capitulate. Bad theology is to complain and hope that God will have mercy and act. And some wait until they become bitter and disillusioned. They don't know or refuse to accept that it is up to them to react forcefully.

Revelation is the reason some hold on, and its absence explains the fall of many. Fearing what should fear us is not a good life strategy. God wants a powerful and bold church. After all these years in ministry, it is clear that awareness of these realities is generally absent in the lives of Christians. But when understanding finally comes, it is the light that shines in and dispels the darkness, once and for all.