Submit in the Greek derived from two words Hupo (hoop-o) and Tassó (tas’-so) and by definition hupo means “under authority” and tassó “to set in place”. So when James encouraged us to ‘submit ourselves before God’ in chapter 4 verse 7, he was strategically and militantly instructing us to first set or place ourselves under God’s authority. You see, once we are in the right position (prayer), then we become capable of resisting the devil and ultimately he will flee. The Message Bible paraphrased it this way, “So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” Numbers 13:19 reminds us that God’s voice will never contradict or nullify God’s word!