Do you ever find yourself painfully aware that Satan is stronger than you? Maybe it’s after he tempts you and you sin again in that area that you so desperately want to change. Maybe, like me, at times you find yourself lacking hope for change… hope that a certain area in your life will ever be different. You see where you fall short. You begin to believe the lies that you will never change. It’s easy to get discouraged because as Christians, we are aware that Satan is a real and present danger.
Its times like this that we need to remember that our hope is in the same One who declared on the cross “it is finished.” Not only were our sins fully and completely forgiven at the cross, but the power of Satan was defeated there as well. When we fear the power of Satan, it is important to remember that the authority he has was given by God (Romans 13:1). His power is not unlimited like God’s, it is under the control of God (Job 1:12, Job 2:6). His power has been broken (Genesis 3:15). He is assured of a coming defeat (Revelation 20:2-3).
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed’” (Revelation 5:5).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that you are the conquering King. The attacks of Satan cannot stand against You. When I am weary from the battle and tired from standing firm, help me to put my trust in You. Help me to find my strength and hope not in my ability to withstand, but in the promise that Satan is already a defeated foe. Help me not to fear his attacks but in every situation, to look to You.
[copyright, 2010, Emily Schankweiler; A Sacrifice of Praise]
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Amen sister, Amen! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13
Emily, such a great perspective that Satan is already defeated. He makes himself look so powerful but you have it right that he is terribly weak having already lost the battle.