learn how to successfully wield the same weapon. ACHIEVING VICTORY Satan’s fatal flaw is his pride. He still be - lieves he can ultimately win. But Christ— who was tempted in all things—defeated him by standing firm in truth and obedience. So how can we achieve the same victory? James 4:7–10 records a clear battlefield blueprint: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sin - ners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Hum - ble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Without God, humanity cannot win. Even Jesus—sinless and perfect—submitted to the Father and prepared through fasting and prayer. God’s people must be willing to do the same.
Satan attacks when we are weak, distracted, or vulnerable. The per - son who cuts us off in traffic, or the coworker who irritates us— these moments test our resolve. They are designed to wear us down before the real attack begins. Victory in warfare means attacking weakness, not strength. When we humbly draw near to God, repent, we become stronger and Sa - tan flees. To fight well, we must identify our weak points and shore them up. Prayer, study, meditation, and fasting are our training ground. These are not optional; they are essential tools for growth and sur - vival. We are not the only ones tracking our progress. Satan tracks us as well. He knows when we stumble and when we grow. He knows his enemy. Every spiritual loss should become a lesson. What can we do better next time? Where are we vulnerable? Sun Tzu wrote: “The clever combatant imposes his will on the enemy but does not allow the enemy’s will to be imposed on him.” Ask yourself: Who knows their enemy better? Whose will is being done—mine, God’s, or the enemy’s? The choice is yours.
Special thanks to Jennifer Castillo for her custom cover artwork depicting Psalm 1:3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
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