The Intruder

The enemy of our soul patrols the earth back and forth, looking and listening: “And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence cometh thou? And Satan answered the Lord and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7). Unlike God, who is all-powerful, everywhere simultaneously, and knows everything, Satan has limitations. Although powerful, he falls far short of God’s power, can be in only one place at a time, and has limited knowledge. But he and his minions watch and listen for your weaknesses and reactions to unfavorable circumstances, using those opportunities to wreak havoc in your life with his devilish deeds. He may attack you full force or tempt you to question God’s care and His Word. Other times, he slips into your life like a mouse, quietly and unnoticed, and what better time than during this busy time of year. Lies and deception are his specialties, luring and distracting unguarded and unsuspecting targets. Though not as powerful as Almighty God, he is still a forceful enemy. Stay alert to his tactics (1 Peter 5:8–9) and enjoy celebrating the birth of the world’s Savior.