It is possible to concentrate so intently on the great power of our spiritual enemy Satan that we set ourselves up for defeat. We are sometimes like the baseball players who had to face Sandy Koufax, the famous pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Jim Kaat, another great pitcher, “Koufax was the only major-league pitcher whose fastball could be heard to hum. Opposing batters, instead of being noisily active in their dugout, would sit silently and listen for that fastball to hum. They would then take their turn at the plate already intimidated.”
Satan is an intimidating adversary. He is the master of deceit, the motivator of murder, and the instigator of false teaching. But fascination with his tricks and fear of his tactics must not become central in our minds. Rather, we must focus on who we are – God’s children. We have already overcome the evil one through faith in Christ (1 John 4:4), and we can overcome him now through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
There are victories to be won in the Christian life, but not if we concentrate on Satan’s frightening roar (1 Peter 5:8). Discernment to detect error and strength to overcome evil can be ours because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. – Dennis J. De Haan
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us. – Luther
Satan’s ploys are not match for the Savior’s power.
- July 30, 1992, Our Daily Bread
For You 