Challenges
In 1 Peter 5:8, the apostle Peter tells us about a challenge that takes more than stamina and strength to win. That challenge is Satan , our adversary. Peter tells us that Satan roams to and fro like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour (1 Peter 4:8). He is a deceiver. He is the Father of Lies (John 8:44). He listens to our conversations; he peeks over our shoulder when we are on the computer. He tries to listen and watch…and many times knows how to maneuver in the domain of our weakness, our yearnings, our hopes, our desires. Then, after he has figured us out, can be a relentless adversary trying to capture us, if we allow it.
Do we have the strength to defeat him in a battle for our soul?
This relentless adversary has big dreams. He honestly brags that he will someday ascend into heaven, and he will sit on a throne. He wants us to believe that he is, or will be, as important and powerful as God, the Creator of the universe. He boasts that he will be like the Most High. (Isaiah 14:13,14) And he works hard in his effort to show us how important and powerful he is. But, there is an important word in all this. The word “Like.” Lucifer, who we know as Satan. Is professing that he wants to be LIKE God, the Creator. In that statement, Satan is professing that he can never be God. But, when we hear that, we have to ask: Where was Satan when God created the universe? When God created Man? Genesis one tells us about creation; but it does not mention Lucifer, as Satan is called in Isaiah 14:12. Satan is a created being who fell from grace. He fell from God’s grace.
In the book of John, we see that In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. There was no Lucifer there. Satan is no more than a bully, bluffing his way. Yes, he is LIKE a roaring lion. Yes, he can TRY to devour people. Yes, he CAN BE scary. But, we need to remember that Satan is a created being that has decided to attempt over-throwing the throne of God. The created cannot be greater than the Creator. And, we always need to remember what John says: For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) …who Himself (Jesus) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness (1 Peter 2L24)
John tells us: He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John4:4). Paul the Apostle tells us we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37), and that we can stand against our adversary with the full armor God provides (Ephesians 6:10-18). Therefore, no matter what Satan throws at us, we need to remember who has the power. Remember who sits on the throne in all majesty and power. And remember who desires the throne so he can be LIKE GOD; but can never be God.
GOD IS THE POWER