Defeating the Enemy: How Christians Can Identify and Break Harmful Agreements with satan - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) February 9, 2024

Recently, the Lord revealed a particular way the enemy was 'punking' me. It was startling to see how I'd succumbed to the devil's schemes because the mode of attack was not glaring. I pray that this message will help you look a little closer at some of the things you're going through so that you can pinpoint where the enemy has planted itself to create the problem. This way, through faith and the name of Jesus, you can send it packing.

I've been working on a project with a client. The work isn't new to me. Frankly, I could do it in my sleep. However, I'm working with a business that is new to the space and doesn't quite understand what is expected to ensure a successful outcome. There has therefore been a learning curve for them and I've had to patiently counsel them. Now, when I landed this client, I was very excited. This is because I'd prayed that the Lord would send me clients and in two weeks, He'd answered with a few. I understood that each was to be handled as if I was dealing with the Lord Himself per 1 Corinthians 10:31 - So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

So, why was it that a while later, this particular project became so hard for me to do? Suddenly, reading the documents was tiring. My entire body would resist having to glance at this particular client's work. Thankfully, I would pray for God's grace and each time, I'd receive it to produce good product. Yet, the issue of my uncharitable attitude persisted and I didn't know why.

Then one day, I got a slew of messages from the client and they needed assistance. What they wanted fell within the scope of our contract but once again, I just couldn't find it in me to do the work. In irritation, I grumbled and frankly, I was atypically ungrateful.

Somehow, and I thank the Lord for intervening, I had a moment of clarity. Surprisingly, certain questions ran through my mind: Why am I complaining about an opportunity I prayed for and God gave? I then said out loud, "The devil knows this will bless my family and I". And just like that, I knew I'd been under attack from the enemy. As realization dawned, I made a simple declaration - "I break all agreement with that spirit of discontentment and lies that doesn't want me to finish this project." Instantly, it felt like a cloud lifted and the world looked different. I went on to take care of the issue in less than an hour and once done, I lay out on my floor to praise the Lord. As I sat up, I realized my prayer had worked. I'd broken agreement with the enemy and it couldn't stop me anymore.

The sad thing is that I would have spotted this in someone else, but for some reason, I was ignorant of how the devil attacked me. Nevertheless, the Lord used this incident to teach me to pay closer attention to my emotions and to guard my heart even more. He also reminded me that opening my mouth to proclaim in faith will always remain a powerful weapon. I wasted so much time entertaining a spirit that wanted to curtail my progress. Seven hours to be precise! Yes, I spent seven hours in resentment instead of just doing what needed to be done. Plus, when I finally settled down to do the work, I learned so much from the client's experience and was better for it.

Many of us don't realize that satan sends its evil spirits to attack us similarly. An enemy sent to put pressure on you at work and on the drive home so that instead of smiling at your neighbor's kids when you arrive, you growl at them to get off your lawn. An enemy that wants you to complain about what God has blessed you with instead of recognizing the grace you received and thanking Him for His kindness. The great thing is that Jesus died on the cross to set everyone free and once a person understands the weight of that freedom, they can command the devil and its minions so that they all flee. Jesus Himself said in Luke 10:19 - I have given you the authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to destroy the enemy's power. Nothing will hurt you (GWT). The devil has no power for those who believe in Christ and live to please the Lord. This is why believers can freely declare "satan has no hold over me," just as the Savior did.

I want to encourage you to look at whatever issues you are dealing with. Ask the Lord to identify the spirit(s) working in the darkness to cause these problems. Then, break agreement with the enemy. You're wondering how you could have possibly agreed with it. Well, in my case, as I didn't realize I was under attack, I did what the enemy wanted - I grumbled, I wasted time, and I became resentful. That was all it took. Could you have done the same? If so, today is the day to no longer agree with what satan wants for you. Today is the day to open your mouth, declare, and start making choices in thoughts and actions that no longer agree with the enemy.

God bless you!

PS: I applied this approach to another issue and in less than 24 hours, God sent victory. Plus, I'd been struggling with a personal project and having prayed, I got understanding and zeal to tackle things in a few hours. I trust the Lord to bring more victory on the other matters I'm waiting on.