“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.“ (Colossians 1:13-15 ESV)
Any forward progress in our relationship with Jesus—any victory over sin, any growth in holiness, any usefulness in ministry with our neighbor—will be met with opposition by Satan and his demons. (1 Peter 5:8) But we need not fear this resistance. Jesus has won the decisive victory over Satan. (Hebrews 2:14–18) in Jesus we can resist the devil and he will flee (James 4:5-10).
Prayer: Holy Father, at times it looks like the Enemy is winning, and evil prevails everywhere, and we will never get past Satan’s persistent attacks. But you tell us to “fear not,” because Jesus has won the victory over Satan by his death and resurrection. We believe, Father, as your Word says, that Satan flees when we resist him. Grant us faith to stand when opposition comes, the humility to confess and receive forgiveness when we fail, the strength to rise when we stumble and the discernment to see through Satan’s lies. We stand in the strength that Jesus gives, not our own, and we know you will bring us through trials into victory both in this life and ultimately when you receive us in glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
~~ Fr. Scott Howard