Journal Entry ~ 02/07/18

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 6:12-13

Satan is very real and he’s powerful, but he’s difficult to talk about in many Christian circles. People either tend to think he’s not real or they downplay him, or they go overboard and blame every single thing on him. Mostly, I’ve found people are uncomfortable talking about him and his power - they don’t understand what’s true about him, so they avoid him altogether. 

Both are dangerous points of view – the truth is Satan is real, but so is our power to overcome him.  We are told that he is real and his power is real in these verses, but we are also told how to fight the evil forces of the enemy. 

I heard a song on my way to work after I had been mediating on this verse this morning. It’s the first time I’ve ever heard this song, but it’s lyrics fit perfectly with our verse this week. 

Define Me by Jonny Diaz

He doesn't use a pitchfork
He doesn't have a tail
He comes disguised as fear and lies
To remind you when you failed
He doesn't wear a red suit
And he doesn't smell like smoke
He sneaks around until he finds a doubt
And that's where he makes his home

But when he comes for you
All you gotta do

Is take a look at the devil right square in the eye
And tell him I have believed you for the very last time
Devil, I know you've been lying to me
You do not define me
'Cause all of your power has been swept away
Your threats are as empty as Jesus' grave
So devil, go get behind me
You do not define me

He knows the ways are different
Very tempted to choose a side
Takes the beauty in our diversity
And he'll use it to divide
He'll split us over doctrine
Or the color of our skin

One Name above all names
Defines who I am,
I've got the victory
Over the enemy
One God above all gods
Who knows who I am
I've got authority
To make the devil flee
And when we fight the fear and hate
He's the only one who wins

The enemy is real and he seeks to divide us anyway he can - in our marriages, with our children, in the church, with our co-workers and our friends. He creates false accusations and delights in conflict. But we have been given the power to overcome in His name. We only need to call on Him for His strength. The One who wins every battle loves us with a steadfast love, we only need to use His name. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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