The Firefighter's Stand on Granite Peak

In August 2003, a wildfire swept through the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, devouring everything in its path. Veteran firefighter Marco Reyes stood with his crew on a narrow ridge above Lake Arrowhead, watching the wall of flame race toward them. Every instinct screamed to run. But Marco had been trained by Captain Ed Sullivan, a forty-year veteran who taught one principle above all others: "You don't outrun a wildfire. You find solid ground and you hold it."

Marco's crew had already cleared a firebreak and soaked the earth beneath their boots. They had done the preparation. Now came the moment of truth. Marco planted his feet, gripped his tool, and faced the fire head-on. The flames roared up the hillside, hit the break, split around the crew like a river around a boulder, and swept past. The crew never moved.

James 4:7 carries this same two-part wisdom. First, submit to God — that is the preparation, the clearing of the firebreak, the soaking of the ground beneath your feet through prayer, Scripture, and surrender. Then resist the devil. Not in your own courage, but standing on ground that has already been claimed by the Almighty. The enemy charges like wildfire, fierce and loud. But when you have planted yourself on the solid ground of God's authority, the darkness has no choice but to break around you and flee.