I’m Not Impressed
Some Christians give the devil an extremely unmerited amount of credit and attention in regards to his ability to harm them and cause trouble in their lives. He works very hard at lying and deceiving to portray a fearsome reputation. The truth is, however, that he is a defeated, inferior, and toothless ‘mouse with a megaphone’. The devil has no power to put anything on you. If he did he would destroy everyone.
When I was diagnosed with stage four cancer the devil found out about it the same time I did. I am sure he was just as surprised as I was. I can hear him now, “OK, we got her now boys, let’s bombard her”. Once he hears of something he then gets to work trying to use that information or situation to convince you of the worst outcome. His goal is always to convince you of defeat and hopelessness with the end result of death. All of us have the choice of listening to him or taking our God-given authority over him. Look at this verse.
Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15
This word choice of public spectacle paints a very accurate picture of what Jesus did to the devil. In those days, when a country was defeated in battle, the victorious king would tie up the defeated king and drag him through the streets so his people could mock, humiliate, and even throw things at him. The defeated king had been stripped of any power to act. This is a great description of the devil now. Jesus did this to him. Picture this the next time he tries to lie to you. Tell him what you really know about him.
Our enemy will always try to take us down, that’s his job. He hates us for being God’s saved, redeemed, and favored children. We need to understand that we are the ones with the power. He may run around seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8), but make sure you are not one of them. Praise and worship are my favorite ways to put him on the run. He cannot stand to hear it. If you really need to get him scurrying, sing about the blood of Jesus. He will not stick around.
Every day we see the result of people listening to the devil and giving him access to their lives. He may seem like a huge and powerful threat but do not be impressed with it. He only got that power because someone gave it to him. He wants to keep you from learning the truth of Luke 10:19.
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Turn the tables by understanding that the one who is afraid is the devil. He is afraid of you because you hold all the power through Jesus. You can shut him up and run him off simply by being who you are. That is the real power; that is what we need to be impressed with.
With Christ's love, Marion Grace
