SATAN ON A LEASH
I don’t like having enemies or people that don’t like me. It makes me very uncomfortable. I do everything in my power to make sure I get along with everyone. However there is one enemy I can’t make peace with and that is Satan. Unless I serve him, he’ll hate me and do all he can to destroy me. He is forever running to God pointing out my sins and failures (Revelation 12:9-10). He hates you as well, if you are following Jesus.
He is our adversary and is trying to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8). He rules this world (John 12:31) and is the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4). Most people blindly follow him, if they know they are doing so or not (Ephesians 2:2). It is only Christians who resist him and battle back (1 Timothy 1:18). This is a daily fight (1 Peter 5:9; James 4:7).
It helps greatly to know that Satan doesn’t have a free hand. He is on a leash and must have God’s permission to attack us (Job 2:6; Luke 22:31). Why would God give permission? It can only be because God has a good reason for allowing it. There must be some purpose for it. To stretch our faith? To learn how to have victory through Him? To be able to help others who go through similar experiences? To get our attention so we come closer to Him? I’m sure you can add some more.
God calls our battle with Satan and his forces a “good” fight (1 Timothy 1:18; 6:12). It can’t be good because of the pain involved. It’s good because it refines and strengthens our faith (1 Peter 1:7). A muscle needs to be used to stay strong. It needs to be pushed to the limit to grow stronger. The same is true of our faith muscles.
So here is my challenge: instead of dreading the battles you face each day, see them as opportunities to trust the Lord and see Him work. View them as something God is allowing for an ultimately good reason in your life (Romans 8:28). Don’t complain, blame, quit or feel sorry for yourself. Face them as something God knows is “good” for you.
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith.
1 Timothy 1:18 Fight the battle well.
Remember, the battle only lasts as long as you live on this earth. Satan will be removed forever (Revelation 20:10), but growing in our faith now will be with us for all eternity.
Please let me know if there are topics you would like to see addressed in a blog. I really welcome your suggestions! jerry@schmoyer.net
By Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer © Copyright 2019 Christian Training Organization. https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/