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We Are Under Attack by Satan

If you haven’t noticed, in the last several months and years, the family of God has been progressively attacked in every way.  Recall how Job was attacked by Satan as a test of his faith?  We must realize we are not immune from his attacks.  He was given dominion over this wicked world until our Savior returns.

Ephesians 2:2:  “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”. [KJV]

Satan is the “prince of the power of the air” and he has no love or compassion for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior!  He uses every tool in his toolbox against us (temptation, doubt, fear, jealousy, resentment, depression, affliction, persecution, weakness, etc.).  As it says in:

 1 Peter 5:8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”  [KJV]

 I have noticed lately how so many members of our own church body are being hit with serious health problems, family problems, financial problems, and emotional problems. It seems like these problems have increased in frequency and intensity, and I believe there is a reason for that as described in:

Revelation 12:12:  “For the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he hath but a short time.” [KJV]

 Satan knows he was defeated at Calvary, and he knows his time is limited!  It makes him very angry and he revels in taking it out on us. We must be prepared for his attacks, and Paul tells us how to do that.

 Ephesians 6:11-12: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” [KJV]

 After all, we were never promised a “rose garden” here on earth.  Jesus said in John 16:33: 

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” [KJV]

 We should be encouraged by what James has to say in

 James 1:2: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind”. [NLT]

 I know when you are going through tough times it is hard to think of it with “great joy,” but as I’ve said in the past:  “Focus on the “heavenly view, not the worldly view.”  Everything that exists now is temporary—including our problems.  When I was a kid, I hated going to the dentist. I remember my Dad would tell me: “When you’re sitting in that chair and feeling pain, think of the ice cream cone I’ll get you on the way home!”  In other words, focus on a bright future, not the dark present.  Here are a couple scriptures that tell us what that “bright future” holds.

Romans 8:18:  “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (KJV) 

 2 Corinthians 4:17:  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (KJV) 

 2 Corinthians 12:9:  “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (KJV) 

 One thing I really love about our church is that we pray for each other, we help each other, and we care about each other.  When you are having “tough times,” it’s so important to know that people are praying for you and care about you.  That’s the joy of being in the “Family of God!”

 When I think about Paul and all the very bad times he experienced (stoned, beaten, jailed, shipwrecked, snake-bitten), yet he used it all to “glorify God.”  He told us in one of his letters to “imitate him.”  This is something I don’t believe you can do through your own power but only through the strength, power, and grace of the Holy Spirit!

 I am writing this article as much for myself as for anyone who may read it.  There are many times I need encouragement.  Then I go to God’s Word, and I find it there!  If you are going through tough times, let God’s Word encourage you as well.  Whatever your problem is, don’t hesitate to share with Christian friends and ask for prayer.  We are a body and when one part of the body is hurting, we all hurt.  Stay in the Word, and trust the Lord.  He is in control, and He loves you and me.  “To God be the Glory!!”

 “Sometimes when misgivings darken the day, and faith’s light I cannot see;

I ask my dear Lord to brighten the way, He whispers sweet peace to me.

 I trust Him thru faith, by faith hold His hand, And sometimes my faith is weak;

And then when I ask Him to take command, it seems that I hear Him speak.

 The trumpet will sound for our Lord’s return, He’s coming for you and me;

I praise His dear name for this I now yearn, with Jesus to ever be.”

 (He Whispers Sweet Peace to me)

*CCLI#36059 By Will M. Ramsey 1932 Morris & Henson

 

God Bless,

Dan