Facing the Devil

How do we face the work of the devil and his minions in the world and in our lives? Now there are those who exaggerate the work of demons, seeing them everywhere, and those who minimize it, seeing it nowhere. But what do we do if, after careful consideration, we feel we or someone we know is facing a demonic attack? The first thing we need to do is submit ourselves to the power and care of God with genuine humility (James 4:6,7; 1 Peter 5:5-10; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6). Christ has already defeated the demonic powers on the cross, and He is our victory over them (Colossians 2:13-15; 1 John 4:4; John 16:11). Therefore, we need to face the devil's schemes trusting in God and His power (Proverbs 3:5,6; Psalms 127:1,2; 37:3-6). But we should remember the fate of the sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-17) and not trust in our own capabilities or use Jesus' name lightly as a magic talisman.  Now we should not see confronting the devil as the quick fix for all our problems and everything that ails us. But if we must face him, we should do so based on a trust firmly fixed in the power of God.