Will, We have to be careful not to elevate the devils images, by believing and putting his power and authority ABOVE the Word of God, rather we must cast it down and bring it into subjection or captivity, by making it (the devils words) obedient to Christ. Again, you do this by declaring and exalting the Word of God and not receiving one image from the enemy. When the devil tries to bring a thought or image into your mind, refuse to receive it, you know, you might just be doing something and this thought comes to you about not being good enough to accomplish what your trying to accomplish. What needs to be done at the very moment you realize that, is to begin to declare the Word of God regarding how God sees you, “In Jesus we have REDEMPTION through His blood, the forgiveness of sins…In Him also we have OBTAINED AN INHERITANCE..In Him you also TRUSTED, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, YOU WERE SEALED (to confirm authenticate, place beyond doubt) with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the GUARANTEE OF OUR INHERITANCE…” (Ephesians 1:7-14)
Whatever imagination or image you receive and believe becomes empowered by your faith, and will soon manifest, if you keep exalting that image. Again, you must begin to declare God’s images (vision for you and about you and your circumstances), even in the face of a circumstance that may look totally opposite of what you are saying. “…I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for IT IS THE POWER OF GOD to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16) Will, what the Word of God says is God’s image (vision) for you, begin to declare it and immediately cast down from your mind, any thoughts that are contrary to what God has said. Begin to confess and declare boldly what the Lord is going to do according to His Word and His revelation to you, even if that revelation was given in a dream, vision or written word. Hold very tightly to what God gives to you Will, write it down, read it and memorize it if you can.
When I got saved, I knew nothing about God’s word or the devil’s temptations. I had to drive about an hour every day to work so, there was a lot of “thinking” time. I noticed that these bad thoughts would come into my mind about my past, very unholy life, so, I spent a lot of time of crying out to God to help me. Then a friend gave me the New Testament on cassette tapes. I daily listened to them, hearing God’s word for the first time. Oh, I can’t express how joyful that was for me and how enlightening. When the devil would tempt me with bad thoughts, I would immediately start quoting the Word of God and get WONDERFUL VICTORY!!! So, Will I know this works. “…the word of God is LIVING (it is alive, it has life Will) AND POWERFUL (energized, full-of-energy) , and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner (skilled in judging) of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) “…the word of God, which also EFFECTIVELY (successfully) WORKS in you who believe.” (1 Thess. 2:13) “Is not My word like a FIRE?” says the LORD, “And like a HAMMER that breaks the rock in pieces?” (Jer. 23:29)
-Bill Stockham