The reality of warfare

Revelation 12:17  "Then the dragon was enraged with the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring- those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus."

The dragon John refers to above is Satan.  Satan is a very real and very powerful force in our world.  He exists, and he does his work among us.  As it says in the verse, he makes war against those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. 

We would all do well to admit that Satan exists and to become more aware of his work in the world and in our lives.  Without this recognition, we can be blindsided by his schemes and attempts to sway us in his direction.  His most common and dangerous ploy is deception.  Satan tries to convince us to believe he is not real.  He tries to convince us that his work is really the work of God, and that God's promises are not true and worthy of our trust.  He also deceives us into passivity.  If we become convinced that these evil forces do not exist, we certainly don't need to fight against them. 

As much as we believe in the reality and strength of Satan, though, we can never forget that God is greater and more powerful.  The war has already been decided, and we as believers are on the winning side.  Although the all-encompassing, ultimate outcome is assured, the individual battles that are being waged are for the hearts and souls of God's children. 

God's strength and power are more than adequate to fend off Satan's attacks, but we must remain in Him.  We must also be diligent in helping others find the source of power to defend against attack, and the peace and assurance of ultimate victory.  The source of this power is the grace and redeeming mercy of Christ's death on the cross.