Handley Page was a great pioneer in the world of aviation. He invented a number of airplanes and his company contributed to the development of aviation in numerous ways. Yet one day, many decades ago, while he was flying one of his finest planes across the barren deserts of the Middle East, a large rat had crawled into the cargo hold behind the cockpit before takeoff, attracted by the smell of food.

Realizing that he was not alone, his heart began to pound.

While cruising several thousand feet in the air, Page heard the sickening sound of gnawing in his small plane. Realizing that he was not alone, his heart began to pound. Hydraulic lines and control cables ran throughout the cargo area. One misplaced bite could disable the aircraft and send him crashing to his death. There was no such thing as an auto-pilot back then so, being alone, Page could not abandon the controls to deal with his uninvited guest.

Sure, he could land, but from his current altitude, there might not be time for him to descend safely before disaster struck. Besides, touching down on the uncertain desert sand was risky, and his chances of being able to take off again were even more slim.

That’s when Page recalled a piece of information he had once thought mere trivia: rats require more oxygen to survive than humans. And oxygen grows rare as your altitude increases. So, Page pulled back on the yoke and caused the aircraft to climb higher into the sky. In a few short moments, the gnawing sound stopped. Safely on the ground a few hours later, Page discovered a dead rat lying just behind the cockpit.

Climb higher and soar in the heavenlies as you reorient your thinking with God’s perspective (Ephesians 2:6).

Friend, Satan can’t handle God’s truth. His lies and his darkness will dissolve in the light of God’s presence. Climb higher and soar in the heavenlies as you reorient your thinking with God’s perspective (Ephesians 2:6). Sure, the air might be a little thin if you’re not used to going there. But go, because the Spirit will keep you alert as you adjust.

Keep climbing into God’s mindset and His perspective until He brings victory where you didn’t think victory was possible. Keep climbing by rehearsing the truth over and over until that rat we call Satan and the emotional strongholds he dangles around your neck fall to the floor and die for lack of air.

When they do, you will breathe free.

Check out more from Dr. Tony Evans @tonyevans.org