Category Archives: Sizing up the Enemy

Satan apparently commands a well-disciplined army. While we have no evidence that their discipline is perfect, Jesus discounted the idea that they might fight against other (Matthew 12:26). Well-coordinated work is typical of satanic attacks; his followers know what to do, and they do it with extreme reliability. Our people, on the other hand, frequently are more like a loose rabble. We feel happy if our people even show up, let alone take a hand in the struggle. And too often our people do Stan’s work for him—arguing his case or even attacking and destroying fellow Christians.

A key advantage for evil spirits is their stealth. To humans, spirits are invisible unless they want to be seen, and this is a terrible handicap for us. In 2 Kings 6,we read that Elisha’s servant was alarmed one morning to find the town where they were staying surrounded by a hostile army. But Elisha told him:

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes so he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17

How different things would look if we could see the spirit world. Believers would probably walk much more carefully if they could see actual demons following them around. Instead, we too often find that Satan has already done his work among us and departed by the time we begin to wonder if he might be involved. Sometimes the idea of his involvement never even occurs to Christians who stand gaping at spiritual tragedy, confused, and with no idea why or how it happened. We spend most of our time doing damage control because of Satan’s stealth.