Satan is real. He desires to sift us like wheat. He prowls about looking for someone to devour. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8
In visiting with a woman recently I realized that she is spiritual but does not know God. There are lying spirits that deceive people into thinking they are good, insightful and okay because they are spiritual in some way. Someone may create their own form of spirituality, but various forms of mystic enlightenment do not equal salvation and Truth. “… for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) created everything, organic physical life and immaterial spiritual/soul life. The immaterial world is manifest in the physical; for good or evil. But many have never gone to the Manual (the Bible) to see how these two worlds powerfully interact, instead they walk on blindly according to a god of their own making. 2 Corinthians 4:4 “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
We know that Satan is very real because Jesus said he is. John 8:44 “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Just as the Holy Spirit longs to dwell within a physical body and bring godly self-control and fruit into the heart, so Satan desires to dwell within working with our carnal nature to bring forth evil. Satan desires to have you, if not fully through possession, he will be satisfied to influence you; you’re mind, thoughts, desires – especially against Christ and His Kingdom people. Don’t be a pawn in his hand. 2 Corinthians 11:3 “But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.” God is not mocked, whatsoever you give yourself to, that is what you’ll reap (or become).
God’s Word is a sure foundation and He equips us for this spiritual battle by the empowering Holy Spirit within. Jesus said in John14:15-17 (NKJV) “If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.”
Opting out is not an option, you’re already in. Wisdom says, humble yourself and reach for God’s Hand and be found in Him, sure, steadfast, not only in this short life but for all of eternity. Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Opt-in and pray. Fight on your knees. You have authority in the Spirit to pull down strongholds, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. (2Corinthians 10:3-5)
Photo Credit: Pixabay
right, and some light from the surface above travels down the hole. Your heart leaps temporarily, “perhaps today I will be rescued from here”. But soon the darkness and hopelessness of your lost condition sweeps in again, you are stuck, alone, in the pit, afraid you’ll never get out; at the same time afraid you’ll be discovered.
Appropriate FEAR
I’ve heard various illustrations over the years of hopelessness and rescue. One of them goes like this: A horse fell into a large dry well, there was no way out, it was hopeless. But then a deliverer came along and carefully began shoveling dirt into the hole until it elevated the horse to a higher and higher level to where, viola! — the horse stepped out on the surface!
My prayer for you is Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
already happened on occasion with this person; you must realize that there is a deep, deep stronghold that comes with habitual sin — especially sexual idolatry. Coming out requires much more than confession and repentance, intensive restructuring with God’s Word and accountability is mandatory. Don’t agree to just let it ride and become their monitor; that will not work.
Action Steps: If you feel sin is present, don’t allow fear and suspicion to rule your heart. Instead, take steps toward having a conversation about what you are feeling with the one involved (Mt. 18:15-17). If this fails, find one or two to come along and assist you.
inappropriately, have placed a stumbling block in their way. Jesus talks about offenses in Luke chapter 17. He said they will come. But then in verse 2 He goes on to say that if someone offends (violates) a child, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, rather than causing a child to stumble. Wow, that is severe! The violation of a child through sexual molestation is severe. It does not slide into the category of 
guilt because you have been violated as a “little one” and that sent you down a dark road of sexual temptation, know that 
Remember, you may have been a victim, but you can choose today to walk toward a victorious life. God will take all of your dark places and bring light. He will give you the ability to walk in the light (I John 1:7). There is no better place to be.
Nancy Demary 