We have been conditioned as a society to accept those who feel entitled. In fact, it can be the subject of humor in some circles as people laughingly joke about how the Millennials are such an entitled generation. Let’s take a moment to look at entitlement a bit differently, though. Have we become so accepting of giving others what they feel entitled to that we so freely give our inheritance from God to the enemy? In the words of Paul, “May it never be!” The enemy is NOT entitled to our inheritance.
God has given us the entire kingdom and all its powers, authority, and blessings. We have inherited a life of abundance. However, to receive all God has planned for us, we must believe in and claim His promises. Unfortunately, many believers don’t even know they have such a rich inheritance, much less how to claim it. Instead, they unintentionally offer their inheritance to the one who plans to keep them from their Promised Land.
God wants to empower us to claim and live in our inheritance. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. So, why aren’t more believers living God’s plan? I thought you’d never ask! Many are not claiming their inheritance because they’ve allowed the enemy to steal it from them. God never intended us to be depressed, anxious, fearful, unhealthy, or impoverished. Does that sound like the God, our Shepherd, who ensures His flock wants for nothing? NO!
Why do we experience all these things when our God has assured us in His Word that He has come to give us life and give it to us more abundantly? We lack faith and choose to believe in the power of Satan. It’s not that I don’t think Satan has power, but God’s power is far greater. I don’t know about you, but from now on, I’m choosing to be God’s entitled. God has entitled me, through the blood of Jesus, to live in freedom and enjoy His gifts.
Because Jesus died on the cross for my sins, I’m entitled to be free from depression, guilt, doubt, and any other lie or attack of the enemy. Because Jesus died on the cross for my sins, I’m entitled to a place in the kingdom, privileged to walk with my Father in heaven. Because of God’s love for us, He gave His Son to carry our burdens and His angels to fight the enemy. Is the enemy strong and powerful? For sure, but God is stronger and far more powerful. Is the enemy persistent? Yes, but God never stops fighting for us. Is the enemy all seeing and knowing? Absolutely not! Therein lies our advantage when we walk in God’s Spirit. God sees all, and He knows our hearts. God knew us before we were formed in the womb. He knows what He has planned for us in the future. God doesn’t see us how we are; He sees us how He created us to become. He knows the greatness He has planned for us and helps us to live in that greatness as if we have already achieved it.
I say, “Get behind me, Satan! You are NOT entitled to steal my inheritance. Are you with me? When you think about it, the enemy can only take what God has for us if we allow it. God fights for us. Jesus died for us. Holy Spirit dwells within us. When we walk with the Lord, we are filled with love and protection inside and out. Isn’t it time we claim what God has so freely given?