Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

“Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to constantly be aware that the devil is out to destroy us. Therefore, Paul says, we need to know as much as we can about the enemy's tactics and plans: “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).

The verse in Revelation tells us that Satan has declared all-out war on God’s children — and he has a deadline to complete his work. While many Christians may slumber at the midnight hour, just as Jesus predicted, the devil is working ferociously, making preparation for war. He is keenly aware of the short time he has to accomplish his evil purposes, so he is always scheming, ever devising ways to harass and destroy the church of Jesus Christ.

Satan may lie to you and give you no rest from his accusations. Jesus now sits safely with the Father, well beyond Satan’s reach, but the enemy is still waging war against Christ by directing it against believers — Christ’s seed.

Contrary to the thinking of some Christians, Satan doesn’t possess omnipotent power; he has been defeated by Jesus and stripped of all authority. Neither is he omniscient (meaning, he can’t read minds). And he isn’t omnipresent. But he does have principalities and powers stationed throughout the earth and his host of demons feed him intelligence at his beck and call.  

Peter gives us this warning: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Satan knows your weak spots, your struggles with the flesh, and he’ll work hard on you in those areas. He will try to convince you that you’ll never be free from sin, but the instant you move toward Jesus the devil is rendered helpless. James tells us, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

So, how do you resist the enemy? You do it by faith alone! Simply come to Jesus, trusting he'll rescue you from Satan's clutches.