The Bible describes Satan as:

• Mat 6:13 – The evil one
• Mat 12:24 – The prince of demons
• Mat 13:38-39 – The enemy
• John 8:44 – A murderer, liar, father of liars
• John 12:31 – The ruler of this world
• 2Co 4:4 – The god of this world
• Eph 2:2 – The prince of power of the air
• 1Th 3:5 – The tempter
• 1Pe 5:8 – Our adversary
• Rev 12:9 – The deceiver of the whole world
• Rev 12:10 – The accuser

Satan is a real being. He is not an imaginary creature with a red tone, a forked tail, horns, and a pitchfork. He is not the authority in hell. He is apparently facing his own punishment in hell for rebellion against God’s will (2 Peter 2:4 and  Jude 1:6).

Yet, he still has influence in the world and through that influence rules society in many ways. Looking at all the crime, violence, hatred, avarice, and other forms of egotistical behavior clearly demonstrates Satan’s hold on the hearts of mankind – even some of those claiming to be followers of Jehovah.  There are enough events to discourage even the most optimistic of us.

When you do get discouraged remember these words, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). Also recall the words of the apostle who suffered so much in his life, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

I took some time to look at that last passage a little deeper and developed my own understanding of what Paul is saying. When I feel the world and danger crowding around me, I know that I am not hemmed in. When I think there is no way out of the dangers I face, I should remember I am not completely at a loss.  When I am being chased by evil and am on the run, in Christ I am not left behind to run alone. When I am caught and tossed to the ground, even then I am not going to lose.

Remember that just a few chapters later Paul will remind us, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10).

God will always be with His children.

• Scott