May We Stand Prepared

In the Pilgrims Progress , Christian on his journey encounters Apollyon (Satan) who attempts to sway Christian to renounce his Lord and rejoin him . Once Christian refuses , Apollyon tries to destroy him . But thanks to the armor given to him ,he is able to protect himself and strike a mortal blow that forces Apollyon to flee.

What this triggered in me was a reminder that we should never forget that Satan and his demons are real . In the west perhaps due to how advanced we think we are , belief in the devil seems to have been placed in the forgotten box. But the Bible clearly portrays him as a real enemy to God , the gospel and Christians. The world ,the flesh and the Devil are all our enemies . But for some reason in that unholy trinity , Satan seems at times to be the quiet partner.

[8] Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

(1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

We need to awaken the reality that he is our adversary . We may never encounter him personally in a spiritual attack for he is not omnipresent , but his demons and in worldly influence we may. It is a real threat and real danger . To be sober-minded is to realize we have an enemy and discern his ways so that we resist him .


[7] Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
(James 4:7 ESV)

We must call on God , draw near to Him and in His strength ,and do battle. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness , each time He used the word of God to respond to the Devils attacks. The word of God is our weapon ,our sword to repel the Devil . May we remember when Jesus was crucified , died and rose again , Satan has been given a death blow . His time is short ,he knows his destiny and may we stand firm in the power of the gospel , in Jesus and be courageous . Drawing near the Lord , He will not leave us unable but will be our protector and victor.

Verse Of The Day  :  [11] Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. [12] For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  EPHESIANS 6:11-13