Originally published on 12/12/16

During my Bible study this morning, I came across something I felt called to share. It spoke to me personally, and I hope that it speaks to you as well. So here goes...

I just read a devotional about Satan and his schemes against believers. It may not be a popular subject (and is often laughed at), but Satan IS indeed real, as are demons.

The Bible speaks of them often. And yes, the Devil really does interfere in our lives in tangible ways. It can be minor or major, but it happens. 

For the past week or so, Satan has been working his magic in my own life. Causing me to doubt myself, snap (okay, let's be real...yell) at my kids, lose motivation, become extremely discouraged with my career, and on and on.

I've been a mess. 

I'd forgotten how much I have to be thankful for.

Now, don't get me wrong here. I'm not saying, "The Devil made me do it." That's no excuse for my behavior or attitude. We're all responsible for our own actions. God has given us free will, but the Devil can certainly make it difficult to remember God's promises and commands. 

So as you go about your day, I'd just like to offer a bit of encouragement. Arm yourself with God's power against the Devil. He's already won the fight; all you have to do is give Him your battles.

How? Spend time in His written Word and in prayer every day. When you start to get downcast or stressed out, take a step back and breathe.

Find a quiet spot (or as quiet as possible if you have little ones) and pray. It doesn't have to be eloquent. God knows your pain. 

And keep this scripture in mind:

"10. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

13. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15. and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

16. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."

-Ephesians 6:10-18.