Battle with Satan

Battle with satan

Many people want to believe that satan doesn’t exist. That is exactly what he wants us to think. Some people want to believe he is the root of all their troubles, when in truth it is their own bad choices causing them duress. But in reality, satan will use whatever he can use to lead you into sin and away from God. He is constantly trying to convince us, in so many subtle ways, that our human nature and fleshly desires are right. If what we want, desire, crave, feel, think or do, is the opposite of what God wants for us, satan will try to convince you to do it. But see, YOU have the true power, as a Christian, to make the choice. When Christ died on the cross for us, He took satan’s power away. So be clear, while satan does exist, and he does use every situation to deceive you and watch you fall, God gives us the power and the knowledge and the strength to stay in the light. WE just forget or choose wrongly. [Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.]

Another common ploy is that Satan loves to bring people down. Have you noticed the world lately? How many people turn to alternative methods of stimulants, medicines, alcohol, etc to numb themselves or make themselves forget? How many people follow their impulses and hurt themselves or others, instead of being in the light? Satan loves to tell you that ‘you are so unworthy’, ‘God isn’t with you’, ‘you aren’t good enough’ ‘you don’t fit in’ ‘you don’t belong’ and all manner of negative speak to keep our heads down and our spirits lower. This works to oppose the possible blessings that God has for us because it opposes faith in God’s power. Imagine how that can hurt our chances to help others and receive a blessing for our faithful serviced.

When the Holy Spirit prompts us to go talk to that person who looks downcast, satan convinces us the person will look at us funny or think we are a freak, so we choose not to do it. The Holy Spirit compels us to reach out to people in need, satan tells us it isn’t any of our business. And what is more uncommonly known is that satan uses us to hurt others in the most covert ways that we don’t even see it. We give seemingly harmless human advice to a friend or coworker that ends up hurting their spiritual walk. We respond in a worldly fashion to something that requires unconditional love. For example: Your friend is upset that her marriage is going through a tough time. Your worldly response is to tell her to dump him. Your Christian advice is to listen attentively, and let her know of Christian counselors in her church. (These are very generic examples but you get the idea.) God can repair all things. NOTHING is beyond Him and yet, our human nature doubts and our faith falters. In the world we lash out in worldly ways, when we would rather be more loving, understanding and forgiving like Christ. [Ephesians 6:16-In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.]

Satan does a lot of damage in disparaging remarks, jealousy, inaccurate quotes, human reactions, intentional slights and mob mentality… again, to name just a few. Satan doesn’t always make people spew fire and hatred so that it is obvious He is attempting to be in control. He uses even the most timid and loving people who are closest to us, to pour poison into our sense of self and Christian ways. The most innocuous comments can cut us to the core, because satan knows our weaknesses and fears. He will do his best to make you weak, make you retaliate, make you falter in your faith, make you feel defeated and small. He knows if he can distance you from God, He has a chance of keeping you miserable and harmless to himself.

Keep the faith and be strong in God’s word. When satan attacks your mind, say outloud, “get behind me satan, I am God’s child, you have no power here!” Every negative, hateful, thought can be put down and you can retrain yourself to think right, by trusting in God. Even Jesus said, when speaking to Peter, his own disciple, in [Matthew 16:23- But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” Walk in Love]
[Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light.]
I know how hard it is to totally redefine yourself and align yourself to God’s plan. No matter how much I redefine and let go of the old ways, I find more work to be done. But Christ knows our hearts, so never give up, no matter how hard you fall or how many times you stumble. If only you could see the miracles that God has done in my life… in the lives of those women and children in the Home of Hope Teen Challenge. He takes broken and beaten down addictions and builds them anew. He builds their faith and knowledge and gives them foundation stronger than any worldly gain. You can do what you need to do when you trust in the name of the Lord.