Wouldn’t it be great if we could spend all our time in wonderful, spiritual meetings where the power of God shows up and we never have to think about anything else?

Yes, it would be great. But it is not reality. The Word of God tells us that although we are not of the world, we are in the world (see John 17:11-20). Each of us has our everyday life to live and must continually deal with “everyday” things. But though we are in the world, we’re not like those who are without Christ—“strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). We are “in Christ” in the world, and that makes all the difference in the world!

The devil is roaming around this earth seeking to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10), and you will have to deal with him. Don’t fret over it. Just be ready. The good news is, Jesus, our Champion and Savior, said, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Learn where the point of attack is. Jesus said in Mark 4:19 that “all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced.” If we want our lives to bear good fruit, it’s clear that we have to learn how to overcome the things that try to get us off the Word. Satan’s main strategy is to get the Word out of your heart. He puts pressure on you to quit believing and acting on the promises of God. That is his only chance for success in your life. He wants you to give up so he can take over. Don’t do it!

Instead of giving up—double up. Spend more time with God in His Word. With the wisdom (answers) you receive from Him and His Word, you’ll be able to “run with patience the race that is set before [you]” (Hebrews 12:1). By letting God be God in your life, by making Him No. 1, and by spending time with Him and His Word first, you will be able to walk in victory!