Stand Firm, The Battle is On
We have all heard about Satan or the devil, envisioning anything from the snake in the garden to the red-suited, pointed-eared, trident-toting, Halloween costume.
Satan in mentioned throughout the Bible and is referred to by many names including the evil one, the devil, our adversary, the wicked one, the prince of this world, and the tempter, to name a few.
We are warned about Satan and his deception. In I Peter 5:8-9 we are told, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of suffering”.
There is no doubt, there is a battle over our hearts and souls…all of us are under attack. We must be on guard, be aware, and know our enemy to insure we fight the right fight.
How do we defend against the tempter’s attacks?
Anyone who’s ever been involved in sports has heard that the best defense is the best offense. What does a “best defense” against Satan look like?
Believe The Battle Is On
We must acknowledge we are in a spiritual battle. Otherwise we have given Satan the winning hand. Ignorance is not bliss, it means the battle has been lost.
Stay Close to Jesus
In her book, Jesus Calling, Sarah Young says to renew our minds, “Train your mind to seek Me (Jesus) in every moment, every situation.” With Jesus this close we can overcome.
Understand The Enemy
Know your enemy is the advice any military strategist would give as a key concept in battle. Being aware of Satan and his tactics is key to winning the war.
Seek the Light
Jesus is the light of the world. Satan loves the darkness and hides from the light. The light of Jesus protects and guides us when we remain in his light.
Stay Firm in Your Faith
Stay focused!! Showing Satan complete trust and confidence in God will repulse him. The devil may try to lead us astray, but ultimately he cannot defeat our God.
Support Each Other
At the last supper, Jesus had a heart-to-heart conversation with his disciples. In Luke 22:31-32b Jesus says to Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” If it was important for Jesus to pray for his disciples how much more do we need prayer?
The thought of a battle, spiritual warfare, taking place here and now on this earth can be quite disconcerting; even downright frightening. The good news is that in the end we know who wins. The Bible assures us that Christ has and will continue to overcome the evil of this world. Eventually he will do so once and for all. Until that day, be confident and stay strong resting on that promise.