Hebrews 11:1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
Whatever we do must be mixed with faith in order to live and think like a conqueror. This was the main problem with the Hebrews; it was not the devil, for in many of their various experiences, a recurring theme of a lack of faith surfaces from time to time. The Psalmist, David as well as Paul, refer to this as being the real problem why defeat and failure often overtook them.
Even though the devil will do what he has to do, he is not really the problem, for Christ has conquered him in our behalf already, and thus, the ball is squarely in our court, to either believe and be victorious, or to doubt and be vanquished. Persons may often quote that oft repeated phrase: “The devil made me do it” but with the Christian, a saying like that isn’t nearly true. In fact, the phrase itself was actually inspired by satan, for he loves to have persons believe that he is all powerful and that they have no choice in the matter.
If as Christians, the devil could force us to do certain things or bring arbitrary adversities upon us without first getting permission from God, or if he can force us to make decisions against our own will then, we would be defenseless, and would be mere pawns in a game of chicken.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!