Hope

[dddoo7]

There are times in this life when things can seem very dim. Many times we face difficulties from the wickedness in the world. People pull in every direction expecting us to bend to their every whim and submit to their wickedness. Often our time spent at work is no different. We often work with ungodly people who would just as soon throw us under the bus. Often the employer we work for treats us in ways that are not right. Even in our family life we sometimes struggle with opposition and difficulties. It is our goal to do what is right and to lead our families in what is right, but sometimes our family can still pull us away from what is right. Yet as we struggle from opposition from without, we can even find ourselves in a constant inward struggle with right and wrong. Sometimes life seems hopeless. We are not perfect and almost no one around us cares if we do right or not. Most of the people in the world would be happier if we were not doing what is right.

Has Satan won? Has the influence of Satan gotten to the point that it has influenced everyone around us and even ourselves at times? We can’t live perfect, do we just give up and give in to the power of Satan?

The church in the first century faced persecution from almost every direction. Both the nation of Rome and the Jews were trying to stamp out Christianity before it ever got a strong foothold. Christians were forced into hiding and still as they were found they were often tortured and put to death. The power of Satan in that world was very evident and undeniable. It seemed as if Christianity might not even make it past the first century. It was during this time that John penned some very encouraging words to the Christians of the first century. Revelation 12:10-11 says, “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” The Christians were reminded that Christ had brought salvation, strength, God’s Kingdom, and Christ’s power. Christ’s coming had signed the death warrant for Satan. He can tempt us, persecute us, use others to abuse us, yet in the end Satan is doomed for destruction. We win! Faithful Christians will overcome Satan! We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb. Christ died, shedding His blood and offering us the forgiveness of sins and freedom from the power of Satan.

In this life Satan will tempt us and do everything he can to make our lives miserable. Most people take the easy route and give in to Satan and even become tools which Satan uses. Satan may even bring us to death, yet in the end, we win! In the end, those faithful to Christ win. Rejoice, Keep the faith, Trust in God, Remain true to Him, Endure this life so that in the end we are overwhelmingly victorious!