Imaginary or Real?

There are two extreme thoughts when it come to our adversary, Satan. One thought is he doesn’t exist or is not busy today. The second is that he exists but is someone to be feared, someone with great power. Both thoughts are wrong and can lead to a powerless Christian life.

Apostle Peter tells us to watch out for the devil, indicating he is real. Peter also indicates, he is pretending to be a lion. He is trying to intimidate you with his lies. His roar is worse than his bite. He is looking for people who will believe his lies. Once you believe his lies he will try to devour you.

But Peter also tells us how to secure victory against him.
1. Stand firm. Know and believe truth. When he lies and tell you “you are sick”. Remind him by Jesus’ stripes you are healed. When he reminds you of your past, remind him of your glorious future. We stand firm by refusing to believe the lie and declaring truth.
2. Be strong in your faith. Be unwavering about the promises of God. Don’t allow what you can’t see in the natural to prevent you from seeing God’s promises come to pass. Stay strong in your faith.
3. Stay connected to your spiritual family. When you are away from the herd, when you are alone, you become an easy target for the enemy. Stay with your pact. They are their to encourage you, love you, pray with you, protect you. Stay connected.

When dealing with the enemy, remember this: He was defeated on the cross by Jesus and that same power that defeated Satan, death, and the grave came to live within you. Greater is He that is in you, than He that is in the world. So yes, Satan is real but he is a defeated, powerless, sad foe and if you are a Christian you are stronger, more powerful and have authority over him.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. (1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT)