“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

June 11, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde

I had an experience last night that reminded me of the battle that we are currently in. While wide awake, I heard a very loud, deep pitched, mocking laugh in the room that I was in. Not from a TV, not from anyone else in the house…It was right next to me, very bold and starling. It felt incredibly evil, piercing, and threatening.

My initial response was fear of what was in my room, but immediately the fear was removed as I realized the power of my leader, Jesus Christ in defending me.

I hesitated in sharing this experience, but realized that MANY of us are in this same spiritual battle. It is indeed real, and something that all of us need to be aware of, especially those who are trying to make a difference in spreading God’s word.

I chose this scripture to help us realize the depth of the battle that we are currently in:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV)

Devour? Devour means to consume completely, eat up, destroy, or take over entirely. THIS is his game plan! This is where we are at in the end times. The adversary knows that his time is running out, and he and his “angles” are “GAME ON.”

I don’t bring this up to frighten anyone, in fact, my reasoning is exactly opposite of fear. Let me explain.

The strength of our Leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, is beyond human understanding because He is not merely a teacher, prophet, or king—He is God manifested in the flesh. During His earthly ministry, He demonstrated power over every realm of creation. He calmed the raging sea with His voice (Mark 4:39), cast out devils (Luke 4:35–36), healed the sick (Matthew 8:16–17), raised the dead (John 11:43–44), and forgave sins (Mark 2:5–12).

Yet His greatest display of strength was not in conquering armies, but in willingly going to the cross for sinners. Though He could have called “more than twelve legions of angels” for deliverance (Matthew 26:53, KJV), He endured the cross to accomplish our salvation.

The Bible declares that Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer of all things: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth” (Colossians 1:16, KJV). He holds all things together by His power. Death itself could not hold Him, for He rose victorious on the third day. After His resurrection, He proclaimed, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18, KJV).

For believers, this means our Leader is never overwhelmed, surprised, defeated, or uncertain. He is called “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS” (Revelation 19:16, KJV).

When the world grows darker and troubles increase, we can remember that the One leading us has already won the victory. As Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13, KJV). Our strength is not found in ourselves, but in the risen Savior who conquered sin, death, hell, and the grave, and who will soon return to reign forever.

We benefit from the strength of Christ by trusting in Him rather than relying on our own abilities. Jesus never intended for believers to carry life’s burdens alone. He invites us, saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV). When we recognize our weakness and depend upon Him through faith, prayer, and obedience, His strength becomes evident in our lives.

The Apostle Paul learned this lesson when he struggled with a “thorn in the flesh.” The Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9, KJV). Paul then concluded, “when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10, KJV). Christ’s strength gives us power to endure trials, resist temptation, overcome fear, continue when we are discouraged, and remain faithful when circumstances seem impossible.

Isaiah wrote, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31, KJV). As we spend time in God’s Word, pray, trust His promises, and walk by faith, we draw upon a strength that is far greater than our own. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in human strength. It is Christ living through us, enabling us to stand firm until the day we see Him face to face.

In the Bible, believers are taught that victory over Satan comes first through submission to God, resisting the devil, and standing in the authority of Jesus Christ.

James 4:7 (KJV) says:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Jesus gave authority over unclean spirits to His disciples:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…” — Mark 16:17 (KJV)

The emphasis is not on a believer’s personal power, but on the authority of Christ. When confronting demonic influence, the believer stands in the name of Jesus Christ, trusts in His finished work, and relies upon the Holy Spirit.

Believers are also instructed to put on the whole armor of God:

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)

The armor includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God (Ephesians 6:13–18). Rather than seeking direct confrontations with Satan, scripture consistently teaches believers to remain close to Christ, resist temptation, pray, and stand firmly in the faith.

For the born-again believer, the greatest protection is abiding in Christ. Satan is a defeated foe because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As believers submit to God, resist the devil, and stand in Christ’s authority, Satan’s influence is overcome and he is forced to flee.

The Bible teaches believers not to treat Satan lightly or speak arrogantly against him, but rather to resist him through the authority of God and the power of Jesus Christ.

Jude 1:8–9 (KJV)

“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.

Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.“

Even Michael the archangel did not taunt or revile Satan. Instead, he left the rebuke to the Lord.

Zechariah 3:2 (KJV)

“And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee…”

Believers are instructed to resist the devil, not mock him:

James 4:7 (KJV)

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Christians should not taunt, mock, or boast against Satan in their own strength. Even Michael the archangel said, “The Lord rebuke thee.” Our role is to submit to God, stand firm in the faith, put on the whole armor of God, and let the authority of Jesus Christ deal with the enemy. Victory comes through Christ, not through our own words or bravado. (Jude 1:9; James 4:7; Ephesians 6:11–18 KJV).

Remember, FEAR, ANGER, and FRUSTRATION are the adversary’s intentions through his “attacks.” Because of our leader, we can quickly replace those emotions to COMFORT, STRENGTH through HIM, and CONFIDENCE that He will win this battle. There is so much peace in knowing that. And, once again, this comes entirely from the Savior, and not from any of our own strengths.

I learned something through my experience last night. I am indeed venerable on my own, but am protected greatly, through the power of my leader, Jesus Christ. I felt overwhelming peace in realizing the armor that I was wearing was the protection that I needed. I also realized that I am a target for satan.

The emotion quickly changed from fear, to an actual feeling of “accomplishment” in realizing that I was doing God’s work, and that it was a threat to the adversary. This transfer of emotion is always in place for me now. I will not encourage the fiery darts of satan, but will quickly realize that when they happen, it is because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I will take this as a sign that I am doing God’s work.

Because of my work sharing the TRUTH about the gospel, I have spent considerable time preparing for the actions of “Men” to come against me. But last night, to have the adversary directly attack me was a bit of a surprise.

I leave you today, NOT with fear towards evil, but with CONFIDENCE and realizing the protection that all of us can have as we dawn the protective amor of Jesus Christ. If you have not yet put this on, please do so right now. Spend some time studying “the armor of God”, as taught in the New Testament. Do not wait until you feel that you are being attacked, but put it on now, and always wear it.

When a believer puts on the armor of God, there is both protection and peace. The belt of truth protects us from deception, the breastplate of righteousness guards our hearts, the gospel of peace steadies our walk, the shield of faith quenches the fiery darts of doubt and fear, the helmet of salvation protects our minds with the assurance of being saved, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, equips us to answer every lie with truth (Ephesians 6:14–17 KJV). As we stand in Christ and trust His finished work, we can experience the peace that comes from knowing that our protection ultimately rests in Him.