Playing Away from the Enemy’s Hand

One of the most misunderstood realities in spiritual warfare is this: the enemy’s power over a man is only as strong as his hold on that man’s life. Satan does not exercise authority in the earth arbitrarily; he operates largely through leverage. Where he finds nothing to hold, he has nothing to use. Where he finds something to lay hold of, his influence multiplies.

This is why Jesus made a striking statement on the eve of His crucifixion:

“The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”— John 14:30 (KJV)

That single sentence explains why death could not keep Christ in the grave. Satan searched Him thoroughly and found no handle, no legal ground, no accusation, no hidden compromise. With nothing to hold Him back, resurrection became inevitable.

Leverage: A Principle Both Spiritual and Natural

In the natural world, intelligence agencies understand leverage very well. Take, for instance, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States — one of the most sophisticated intelligence organizations in the world. When such an agency seeks to turn an enemy into a double agent, it rarely begins with threats or force. Instead, it begins with information.

They dig.

They investigate the individual’s past and present:

• secret addictions

• hidden immoral relationships

• financial cover-ups

• undisclosed crimes

• private behaviors that contradict public image

Once something is found — something the individual does not want exposed — leverage is established. The conversation then becomes simple: cooperate, and this remains hidden; resist, and everything comes to light. At that point, the person is no longer truly free. He may still walk, talk, and smile, but he is owned.

HOW DOES THE ENEMY USE THIS SAME STRATEGY?

The devil operates by the same principle. Secret sins are chains — not because God is eager to punish, but because secrecy gives Satan a legal foothold. Every hidden compromise becomes a point of manipulation. Every unconfessed sin becomes a bargaining chip.

A man is only as free as the absence of secrets that can enslave him.

The more a person entertains secret sin, the more leverage the enemy gains:

• leverage to accuse

• leverage to intimidate

• leverage to suppress spiritual authority

• leverage to hinder prayer

• leverage to delay destiny

This is why many believers love God sincerely yet live below freedom. It is not always lack of faith — often, it is unaddressed leverage.

WHAT EXPOSTURE REALLY MEANS - Deliverance

One of Satan’s greatest lies is convincing people that exposure will destroy them. In reality, what remains hidden is what destroys. Scripture consistently teaches that light is not the enemy of life — darkness is.

Freedom begins where secrecy ends.

Sometimes, the path to liberty is painful but necessary:

• confessing a hidden affair

• returning stolen resources

• admitting deception

• seeking accountability

• bringing struggles into the light

These moments feel like loss, but they are actually release points. The moment leverage is removed, the enemy’s grip weakens. What he used to threaten becomes powerless.

Playing Away from the Enemy’s Hand

A wise believer learns to live intentionally — playing away from the enemy’s hand. This means staying clear of anything that could later become a handle in the enemy’s grip. Temptation is rarely just about pleasure; often, it is about ownership. Satan is not only interested in making people fall — he is interested in making them manageable.

Every temptation asks a deeper question: Can I own you through this?

When your life is clean, transparent, and submitted to God:

• accusations lose power

• intimidation weakens

• prayers gain clarity

• authority flows freely

This is not about perfection; it is about honesty and light.

If there is anything in your life that the enemy is using to hold you hostage, mercy is available today. God does not expose to shame; He exposes to heal. The cross already paid for freedom — but freedom must be walked into.

And if, by grace, your life carries no such hidden chains, guard it carefully. Do not trade liberty for momentary indulgence. Do not allow the enemy to negotiate ownership over your life.

You will not be owned by the devil. You will walk in freedom. You will live without leverage in the enemy’s hand.

Receive mercy today, in Jesus’ name.