(Overcoming the Devil’s “Logic”)
Part 2

Last month we shared the three most highly acclaimed attributes of God--identified in Psalm 139:1-16 --as: 1) OMNISCIENT (All-Knowing), and 2) OMNIPRESENT (Ever-Present), and 3) OMNIPOTENT (All-Powerful). With a focus on the first attribute, we learned how to overcome Satan’s attack of deceiving-logic which is designed to create doubt and discouragement about the true identity of God, and ultimately lead us to disengage us from praying. These “logic” attacks seem to come strongest when we begin to communicate with the Lord through prayer! How do we combat this?

This month we are looking at the final two attributes and zeroing in on how to defeat the devil’s ever-ready--but totally erroneous--“logic” that he bombards our mind with as we begin to pray to the Father in Jesus’ Name.

Psalm 139:7-12 identifies God’s “Omnipresent” attribute, which enables Him to be “ever-present” at all times. This bugs Satan greatly, because it means the devil’s schemes never catch God by surprise!

As you and I are implored by the Apostle Paul’s plea that we pray entreaties, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings on behalf of all men (1 Timothy 2:1), have you ever begun to do that when the author of all confusion (Satan) whispers something like this: “If your God really is ever-present, then why do you have to pray for Him to be with someone as she travels or as he is going through a difficult time?”

As I have faced that deceptively logical question many times over the years, my victories only came when I simply responded with God’s Word. When I didn’t do that, I struggled to press onward with my praying! My best answer to this doubt-designed question has always been two-fold:

1. I will always pray for others because:
    *It pleases God (1 Timothy 2:3) that I choose to honor Him by praying for others and not just myself! Plus, He promises to honor those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30b). So, as I demonstrate my sincere concern for others, God is more than willing to show His concern for me!
    *It enables me to join with Jesus in the very ministry that He is still doing daily: intercession (Romans 8:34 / Hebrews 7:35). Can we have a better “prayer-partner” than Jesus?

2. God’s Word (John 15:13) tells me that there is no greater way to demonstrate our love for a friend than to lay down our life for them. When you and I employ “intercessory” prayer for others, that is surely a form of laying down our lives, because we have willfully chosen to put them and their needs ahead of our own. In essence, we are investing a part of ourselves for the blessing and benefit of another person(s); and God’s Word promises that to the degree we give, it will be given back to us (Luke 6:38). That encourages me to be a faithful intercessor!

Psalm 139:13-16 identifies God’s attribute of being “Omnipotent.” His being “all-powerful” assures me that there is absolutely no thing or person that can alter or change His mind or plans for me! Yet while I believe that 100%, as I begin to pray for something really big--at least big in my mind--the devil is there to quickly inject this question of doubt: “If your God really is All-Powerful and already has His mind made up for the plans He has for your life, what makes you think that your prayer could or would change it?” My immediate response is: Why would I want to change God’s mind and plans for my life, when I consider these truths:

1. Luke 22:42 tells me that even Jesus Himself did not try to alter the Father’s plan; but, was totally yielded to it. Likewise, because God’s plan is designed to bless me, I am totally yielded to it and have no desire to alter His plan!

2. Proverbs 16:9 and Psalm 37:23 tell me that the Lord is directing my steps . . . and He is delighting in them; why would I want to alter His perfect plan for my imperfect plan! Not only am I not smart enough to change God’s mind nor powerful enough to alter God’s plan, I have already communicated to Him and to the devil that I have no desire to do either one!

In conclusion, we see again and again that the devil’s logic is no match for God’s Word. That is why the Apostle Paul declared in his letter to the Ephesians 6:17-18 that when we are confronted with “spiritual warfare,” we must pick-up the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) and pray at all times.

So the next time the devil tries to cause you to doubt God and His unchangeable attributes or that Jesus really does want us to be men, women, and children of prayer--and our churches to be “houses of prayer”--simply rely on God’s Word as your response, as Jesus did when confronted by Satan continuously during His 40-days in the wilderness! You will find that your prayer life will move from a discouraging duty to an anticipated delight!

--Dennis Conner, along with his wife, Betty Jo, is the director of member relations and Southwestern representatives for the CPLN. They founded and minister with Called to Serve, a ministry that coaches pastors and churches in becoming a house or prayer.