We all have our demons. They are real. We may not always identify them as such, but they are there. Some folks say they hear them talking and we label them as a little kooky. Many don’t even realize they are all around us. They whisper temptations into our hearts and minds, staying under the radar and out of sight, because that has proven to be a successful tactic for them. But they are all too real.

Ephesians 6:10–13 (ESV) ¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil. Most folks read that quickly and keep going because they don’t want to think about the minions of the devil operating in their lives. And yet they do.  When you are just minding your own business and everything seems to be going great and suddenly a sinful thought or a temptation to do what you know is wrong enters your mind, where do you think that comes from?

Demons spend a lot of time “working” in the lives of the followers of Jesus. They want to distract you from your life and calling as a disciple. They want to take your focus off of the cross and the empty tomb, planting seeds of doubt in your mind, hoping you will fall away from your faith.

1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV) Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

You are told to resist the devil and his evil angels. But you do not have to do this in your own strength or might. God has given you the promise of His presence. Always.

Joshua 1:9 (ESV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

But wait. There is more.

Psalm 91:11–12 (ESV) For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.

Yesterday was “Christ the King” Sunday. Our King is the Victor, He has already defeated Satan.

Colossians 2:15 (NIV84)  And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Through the cross Christ paid our debt, freed us from death’s grasp, satisfied the judgment that stood against us, and was victorious in every way. That includes defeating the Satan and his demons. Our faith in Jesus claims all that He did and gives us the certainty of life now and life forever. Keep your focus there.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV84) Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.