So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ~James 4:7 NLTI've always wondered how this works . . . resisting while humbling yourself.
Today, I began to understand.
Humility = giving your will to Jesus. Acts of humility take tremendous strength in both spirit and character.
Resisting the devil = Being who God tells you to be, and believing what God says, no matter what the devil does or says, how he tries to scare or dissuade you. Jesus resisted the devil on the mount after his 40 day fast. He didn't contend with him, but did not give in either.
Lord, I desire nothing more in this life than to know You better. I trust You. I believe what You have said. I believe what You have said about me, and who I am. You are Truth. You are faithful. You are beautiful to me, and I love Your grace, Your mercy, Your love, and Your sense of humor. :o) I love You, Lord of mine. Please show me what You want me to do next, how You want me to pray, whom You would have me pray for, how You would have me speak, and the choices You would have me make. I long to walk with You in my everyday, praise You in every circumstance. In Jesus' name, amen.