The Amplified Bible translates Matthew 11:12, “…a share in the heavenly kingdom is sought with most ardent zeal and intense exertion.”

I want you to get violent today. Yes, violent, determined, zealous. I want you to get so committed to the things of God that you’ll withstand any attempt to take them away from you.

Too many believers these days are like the Israelites. They’re wandering around in a wilderness of defeat because there’s an enemy in the promised land. They’re being robbed of their rightful inheritance because they’re afraid to fight him. They keep hoping that somehow they’ll find a way in without using force. But they won’t! You have to make demands where Satan and his associates are concerned.

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When God sent the Israelites into Canaan, He said, “Send the armed men to go before you.” They were to go up armed—ready for the fight. He knew they’d have to fight to take the land. He never promised them that they wouldn’t. What He promised them was they’d win every time.

The same is true for you. You can’t just lie down and play dead when you’re dealing with the devil. He’s not going to let go of any area of your life—of your health or your finances or anything else—without a fight. He’s not going to give it up unless you force him.