An Honest Look At the Reality of Satan in Our Life - Ben Bailey

An Honest Look At the Reality of Satan in Our Life

Dwight Moody gave a candid  look into the reality of Satan working in our lives when he said, “I believe Satan to exist for two reasons: first, the Bible says so; and second, I’ve done business with him.”   If Christians are not careful, we can become immune to the idea of Satan and His Power and overlook the challenges he brings to our lives today. 

                The Lord reminded us of the present reality of Satan when he taught us to pray, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One” (Mt. 6:13).  Jesu warned one of his staunchest followers of this reality when he said to Peter, “Simon, Simon, Satan desires to have you that he may sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).  In the long ago, we are reminded of the reality of Satan when God said to him, “From where do you come?”  His response was telling, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking back and forth on it” (Job 1:7).    Like a pacing lion confined to its cage, Satan is an active and present reality just waiting to pounce on us (1 Peter 5:8).

                Of course, like Mr. Moody, I knew Satan was a present reality not only because the Bible says so, but because I too have done business with him.  I have felt the sting of the bad deals I made with him (1 Cor. 15:56).  I have received his paycheck in the mail, and it wasn’t a good bargain at all (Rom. 6:23).  Satan has held my head under water and tried to drown me many times (Ps. 38:4).  Like the fellow who a con artist has deceived, you think we would learn our lesson.  Have you done business with the Devil?  Are you currently doing business with the Devil?  I assure you; You will not get a fair deal!

                Since Satan is an ever-present reality in our lives, how do we deal with that problem?  Thankfully, the Bible teaches us the plan to overcome Him.  Scripture tells us that Satan has at least one weakness…He is a coward and a quitter!  If we resist Him (and please understand that you CAN resist Him), He will flee from us!  The Word of God says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9).  Jesus’ example teaches us this powerful truth.  After Jesus' temptation, The Word of God says, “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13).  The key to overcoming the enemy lies in having the faith to say “NO” to Satan’s advances.  You can do it!  Yes, he is real.  Yes, he is powerful.  But “He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Decide today to quit doing business with the Devil and send him packing!                                                                                          --Ben Bailey