Have you ever had one of those dreams where you were back in high school because you never graduated? I don’t know what it is about this proverbial nightmare, but it visits many of us at one time or another. Thankfully, as vivid as our mind might make it seem, when we wake up, we breathe a sigh of relief as we realize that we really did get our diploma. And as strange as the analogy sounds, I believe this scenario parallels a spiritual principle for those of us who’ve said yes to Jesus’ gift of salvation. While we have an enemy, and he does prowl around looking for people to devour, he doesn’t have any authority to harm us because we’re God’s children. Since we’ve already “graduated” to the Kingdom of Heaven and been transferred from darkness to light, the best Satan can do is deceive us into giving him more credit than he’s due. While his shadow looks overwhelming and scary, the reality is that he’s impotent where it concerns our souls. The devil is a defeated foe, and though he presents himself as being big and bad, in the life of a believer, his power is all a matter of illusion.

My friend, you don’t need to be afraid of the devil! Though you once walked in his domain, you’ve been transferred to the Kingdom of Light, and the blood of Christ now covers and protects you. Though he will try to convince you otherwise, your adversary has no authority over any area of your life unless you give it to him. In fact, in the Name of Jesus, you can cast him out whenever he tries to mess with your mind or your circumstances. The Lord is your banner, your fortress, and your shield, and if you trust Him to take care of you, you will receive the peace, shelter, and heavenly rest that flow freely from His heart.