Encountering Satan
Does it scare you to think about demons roaming around and controlling people? What do you think of hexes and spells and spiritualism? Even when we know it is all around us, we can become complacent and ignore it. But if anyone, even the greatest skeptic, saw Satan laid bare in front of us and the work he was doing, we would be spurred on to really find our salvation and rest in Christ.
When I hear about demon possession, I get pretty scared. Satan and his demons should most definitely never be underestimated. They are a fearsome thing. In our own power, we are no match for them. But recently when it came close to me and my family, it really sobered me.
What sobered me was my ignorance, oblivious to all the signs and how I had been affected by it. I had not comprehended how real and near it was to me. I was not prepared for what impact it might have on me or my family by knowing and being near someone who was possessed. Most importantly I was in no way equipped to deal with it. This experience totally brought me to my knees.
‘Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.’ James 4:7
And yet so often we give the devil a foothold in our minds – a way in to our psyche. It may be hatefulness. It may be unforgiveness, jealousy, pride. It may even be games.
When we recognise these workings around us and we see how we can become entangled in the lies and deception that Satan and his demons want us to believe, we see how damaging it can be. People are hurt, relationships are tainted or broken and the effects can go on long past us.
‘Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.’ Ephesians 4:11
But thank our good Lord for His mercy and grace to protect us. We can’t do this alone. On our own, we are no match for a demon. This has helped me find prayer partners. The Bible says:
‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I [Jesus] am among them.’ Matthew 18:20
We are stronger together with others and with Jesus – that’s why we have church.
