Okay, time to think big about something many of us have probably not thought enough about.

When we think about “spiritual warfare” we often think about temptation, the Devil, or personal battles. That makes sense. But have you ever wondered why Satan and his demons hate us?

It’s a big topic. I won’t pretend to cover everything in this devotional. So let me just say this.

Way back in the garden of Eden, Satan was told how he would eventually perish. God said: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel” (Genesis 3:15). 

The offspring (or “seed”) of a woman (a human) would eventually crush his head. Thousands of years later this statement would come into force. Mary gave birth to Jesus who proved victorious over sin, darkness, death and even Satan himself. 

Through time, therefore, Satan and his minions have been working to deceive, thwart and kill people whom he sees as a threat. Jesus tells us as much in John 8:44. Not only are you and I made in the image of the one against whom he has rebelled, but from among us (humans) someone would come to defeat him. We have been in his target ever since the garden.

Today, forces in the demonic realm continue to work against God’s people for other reasons as well.

Okay, I know. Let’s pause. This is pretty heavy stuff. And yes, some people think there’s a devil behind every bush (not true). And some people think it’s all made up (also not true). Our job is to discern the truth from Scripture and live victoriously with our eyes open. I intend to teach a bit more about this in the coming weeks.

Why do you find it hard to get to church on Sunday? 
Why does your car have problems on the way to prayer meetings? 
Why is there tension whenever you want to talk about Jesus? 

Hmm.

Granted, not every problem we encounter is because of spiritual warfare. Let’s be reasonable. But there’s more happening at the hand of unseen forces than we often admit. Paul wouldn’t have told us to put on the armour of God in Ephesians 6 if it didn’t have a purpose.

As I end this rather serious devotional, let me reassure you. In Christ, there is nothing to fear. He is victorious, and we are his. The Devil may intimidate and deceive, but he can’t go any further when we stand in Christ, live by his love, and are confident in his word.

Live with your eyes open and rejoice at 1 John 3:8: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”

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Notes and extra content:

–“Spiritual Warfare – a talk with Jon Thompson.” For those who are new to the idea of spiritual warfare, I invite you to listen to an interview I had with Jon Thompson on my podcast. Click here. 

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and resumes on September 16, 2024.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.