Spiritual Battle
Good Morning,
Romans 15:22 “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.”
1 Thessalonians 2:18 “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”
We all know about earthly troubles, simple issues such as running out of gas (our fault) or health troubles that everyone faces from time to time. I do not aim to diminish the frustration and discomfort these events bring us, but, this morning, my point is another subject.
A spiritual enemy seeks to hinder us, frustrate us, and keep us from doing the good things God would have us do. Satan is likened to a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), but he is also referred to as an Angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). His desire is to steal, kill, and destroy for no reason other than the fact that he is evil. From the Garden of Eden until today, Satan seeks to get us to rebel against God. Satan constantly attacks the integrity of our Heavenly Father and His Word.
Many of the criminal political behaviors that we see no reason for are satanic in their motive. The events are simply harmful, shameful, and terrible. Satan needs no motive to hurt. On his own, no child of God is a match for this evil so we must walk with God and seek His presence daily.
Satan can only operate in our world at the permission of God, just as Satan could not touch Job without the permission of the Lord. Why God allows Satan freedom to roam is not always easy to explain, except that we know God is good and just and has a plan. We know from the end of the Bible that God wins, Satan ends in the lake of fire, and the believer walks in a golden city lighted by the presence of Christ. We win!
1 Peter 5:9 “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."
Yes, we may be hindered, slandered (Revelation 12:10), and attacked, but we need only to walk with God and seek His will and strength. As the Lord was tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:4) so we will face the enemy seeking to harm us or hinder us. Perhaps Satan thought he had a victory when Judas betrayed Christ and evil men led the Saviour to the cross, but we all know how that turned out. Jesus won and will win.
Pastor