How can believers find strength in Christ when facing spiritual attacks like in Revelation 12:4? Setting the Scene: The Dragon’s Threat “His tail swept a third of the stars from the sky and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, ready to devour her child as soon as she gave birth.” (Revelation 12:4) The verse pictures Satan’s fierce intention to destroy God’s promised Messiah and, by extension, all who belong to Him. That same enemy still plots against believers today. Recognizing the Ongoing Battle • “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against … the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12) • Spiritual attack is real, personal, and relentless, yet entirely within the sovereign oversight of God. Our Source of Strength: Christ the Victorious Child • Revelation 12:5 shows the child caught up to God’s throne—safe, ruling, undefeatable. • Colossians 2:15: “Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” • John 16:33: “Take courage; I have overcome the world!” When we unite ourselves to the risen Christ, His victory becomes our stability. Practical Ways to Stand Firm • Put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-18): truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, God’s Word, prayer. • Stay anchored in Scripture—Jesus countered Satan’s temptations with “It is written.” • Pray continually; spiritual battles are won on our knees. • Lean on fellowship—Acts 4:23-31 shows early believers gaining boldness together. • Worship—Paul and Silas sang in prison, and chains fell (Acts 16:25-26). • Refuse isolation; the enemy prefers lone targets (1 Peter 5:8). Promises to Rely On • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 1 John 4:4: “The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” • Romans 8:37: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” • Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” • Jude 24: He is able “to keep you from stumbling.” Keeping Perspective: The Dragon’s Limited Time • Revelation 12:12: Satan rages “knowing he has only a short time.” • 1 Peter 5:10: After a “little while,” God Himself will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” Hardship is temporary; Christ’s reign is eternal. Encouragement from Overcomers “They have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:11) • The blood secures victory—trust it. • The testimony spreads victory—declare it. • Loving Christ above life itself removes Satan’s leverage. Believers find strength in Christ by resting in His finished triumph, wearing His armor, claiming His promises, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with His people until the final shout of victory. |
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