Fresh Start - Day 6

"Satan's greatest accomplishment was convincing the world he didn't exist" - Pope Saint Francis

Satan is very real, and very powerful. A common misconception about Satan is that he lives in Hell. Actually, Satan isn't in Hell, he's here on earth with us. The devotional today said that, "Satan's purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He is the father of all lies (John 8:44) and is determined to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8)." The reason that Satan was thrown out of Heaven is because he wanted to be glorified like God, and to be in the same position as God (Revelation 12:7-12). So, while on earth, Satan's quest is to draw humans to worship him, and if he can't do that, to draw them as far away from God and salvation as possible. Through the death of Jesus, Satan has already been defeated and he knows it. Thus, his motivation is to take down as many people with him as possible while he's still on earth. 
Even though Satan is very real and very powerful, we do not need to fear him anymore. Him and his army are no match for God's power, as was clearly displayed by him being cast out of heaven, and will be displayed once again when Jesus comes back and destroys him and his forces forever (Revelation 20:10). When we accept salvation, we become God's children, and as children of God, Satan has no right or power to touch us. As the devotion perfectly states, "Satan and his demons are not equal to God. God is stronger. When we call upon God's power, demonic forces must obey and flee (Luke 9:1, 10:17-20; James 4:7)." It is a comfort for me to know that God is there protecting me, and watching over me even when Satan is trying to draw me away. Satan is real, Satan is powerful, but God is so much stronger. 

- Ben