Surrender is the Key
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:7-8)
James was the leader of the “mother church” in Jerusalem in the first century. His letter primarily addressed seasoned believers—those who had endured many trials. He had witnessed Christians succeed and struggle and wrote this revelation to assist believers in walking in the fullness of their authority. In his epistle, he articulated a powerful principle: submission to God is the key to resisting the devil’s schemes. Many believers focus on the latter part of the Scripture that instructs us to resist the devil, but they overlook the fact that resisting Satan is only possible when we have first submitted to God.
James also wrote about the necessity of believers drawing near to God. It’s not about waiting for God to show up; it's about pressing into His presence. God has made Himself available to us, but He won’t force us to come to Him. God desires us to diligently seek His Word and His presence and to quiet ourselves to hear from Him.
James also explained the danger of a double-minded person. This is someone who wavers between trusting God and relying on their own understanding. Biblical submission means yielding completely to God’s will and trusting in His ways above our own. When we are under His authority, we carry His authority, which is why the enemy flees.
The devil only has access where we permit him. He attacks only when given the opportunity. Satan seeks the unguarded—those who walk in pride and refuse to submit to God. However, when we remain humble and follow God’s Word and guidance, we stay under His protection.
Practical Application
Whatever you need, more grace is available if you are willing to submit to God and honor Him. The key to victory isn’t about fighting harder; it’s about deeper surrender.