One of the ways Satan finds his way into people’s lives is through thoughts; their acceptance of his thoughts. When Satan plants a lie into a man’s heart and the man believes and accepts it, automatically, there’s a connection between him and Satan.

 

Remember, you can’t separate a man from his word, likewise, you can’t separate Satan from his word. Therefore, refuse to accommodate his thoughts and words. In our opening verse, Jesus said Satan had nothing in Him. This is very instructive. It lets you know why Jesus had no sense of doubt or fear; there was nothing of darkness in Him, and He declared it boldly.

 

Have the same confidence. Refuse to accommodate anything from the devil. Don’t give place to frustration, depression or sadness. Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil”; you give place to him by giving place to his thoughts and words. Think about it: How did Jesus locate Satan in Peter? It was because Peter spoke the thoughts Satan had planted in his heart, and immediately, Jesus turned to Peter and said, “...get thee behind me, Satan…” (Matthew 16:23).

 

Was Jesus referring to Peter as Satan? No, He wasn’t. But Peter gave place to Satan by accepting his thoughts and giving voice to those thoughts. This still happens today with many people. Satan could come to someone and say, “Can’t you see how miserable your life is? This Word of God that you’ve believed all these years, is it really working?”

 

If you ever hear such a voice, refute it, for that’s Satan talking. Don’t entertain his thoughts. Like Jesus, let him have nothing in you. When He comes with those negative, depressing thoughts—thoughts that are contrary to God’s Word—tell him off immediately, with God’s Word in your mouth, and he’ll flee.