“Sometimes,” Stan began, “I allow myself to really get down over all the bad stuff that goes on in the world. Some days it seems that Satan is roaring louder than other days and I really need to get out there and defeat him and all he’s trying to do.”
“That’s a pretty normal reaction to all that’s going on, isn’t it?” I asked.
“It is,” Stan replied, “but, when I reflect on it, that’s not how I’m supposed to respond to what’s going on.”
“How so?” I replied.
“If Satan can get me to focus on defeating him,” Stan said, “rather than focusing on the fact that Christ Jesus already defeated him by His life, death, and resurrection, Satan will be successful in diverting me from what God has for me to be and to do.”
Continuing, he added, “If my focus is on Satan and defeating him, I have less time to focus on living and spreading the news that the battle has already been won.”
“So,” I replied, “does that mean you just ignore Satan?”
“No,” Stan replied, “I think that would be foolish. I don’t ignore him in the sense of denying that he can have an influence on me, but I don’t focus on defeating him. Rather, I focus on resisting him, telling him I know he has already been defeated, that I have more important things to do, and to just leave me alone.”
“Does that work?” I asked.
“It does, my friend,” Stan replied.
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Bible verses to consider:
Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7.
Do not give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:27.
Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:11.
When Jesus therefore had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head, and gave up His spirit. John 19:30.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the victory over Satan provided by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He finished what you sent Him to do; He defeated Satan and He provided me with the assurance of spending eternity in your presence when it’s time. I confess that too often I allow myself to be pulled down into thinking I have to work to defeat Satan, rather than relying on the fact of his defeat. Please, Father, help me in keeping his defeat in the proper perspective and to not waste my time trying to do what you have already done. However, I do need and ask for your help in resisting Satan so he will flee and leave me alone. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus, the Victor. Amen.
Think on this: Do you believe that Satan has been defeated and you don’t need to defeat him? Why or why not? Do you believe that there’s a difference between defeating Satan and resisting him? How are you doing with the resisting part? How would you like to be doing? If you need help, do you know where to find that help?
Waiting for the Train 
Resisting…choosing to recognize that Satan and his ways are defeated because of Jesus’ provisions. Resisting for me, is choosing to focus on Jesus and the finished work of the cross. It’s a paradigm shift with a mindset of where I put my focus as you have said: Do I strive to resist through my own efforts, focusing on resisting, or do I trust in the Lord, allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my attention to The One & only solution, Jesus? I’m learning that as I seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, these things are added to this life I now live…
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