As I went to bed Christmas Eve, I was exhausted. Struggling with the effects of radiation therapy and hobbling from a fall that had left me with a large hematoma on my left thigh and hipbone, I was on my last leg—literally. After only a few hours of sleep, I was rudely awakened by a wave of nausea. Could I make it to the bathroom in time on my gimpy leg? For the next few hours, I hopped back and forth to the bathroom. A stomach bug had attacked our church family, and I was its latest victim!

I reflected on a comment I had made to a friend at Celebrate Recovery the previous night as we discussed my health problems: “I think Satan is trying to kill me!” I had complained, and now I was even more convinced! Though none of my ailments were life threatening, they certainly felt like it!

The Scriptures tell us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

This latest episode was just more evidence that evil forces—and my own weak flesh—were dragging me down!

Morning came. It was time to go to son Jon’s for Christmas breakfast. No way. Back to sleep. UGGH!

Fortunately, my family arrived in the early afternoon and set to work preparing Christmas dinner. It looked delicious—I was hesitant.

After our meal, we shared our Christmas presents. I loved all my gifts, but one in particular intrigued me—a book from granddaughter Lauren entitled “Notes from the Valley: A Spiritual Travelogue Through Cancer” by Andy McQuitty.

As I headed back to bed, I began reading about the author’s journey into what he called Cancerland. There on page 22 was further validation of my thoughts about Satan. “Cancer is not my ultimate enemy—Satan is. Cancer is just one of Satan’s many tools deployed to bring death . . . the ultimate expression of Satan’s hatred toward human beings who, as creatures made in the image of God, remind him constantly of God.”

So I was right! He is after me—and you—and the entire human race! McQuitty points out that “Satan was a murderer from the beginning.” (John 8:44)

“His rap sheet shows that he has murdered millions of persons since the beginning of time through holocausts and abortions and disasters and yes, diseases like cancer.”

“Well, the good news,” I thought, “is that the Lord has overcome Satan. He is defeated! He may pester Christians, but he cannot take us from the grip of the Savior.”

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

“Well,” I thought, “having recognized again my opponent, what should I do?” I pondered.

A walk through the Scriptures revealed the solution:

“The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)

Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 NLT)

^“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. . . Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.  For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.  In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” ((Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT)

There it was. The Christian’s instructions on what to do when Satan comes calling: Be sober. Be vigilant. Submit to God and resist Satan. Suit up in God’s armor. Pray.

In looking back over the past two years, I praise the Lord that at least three times Satan has tried to destroy me, but the Lord has chosen to spare me.  First, I had a wreck and broke my neck. Praise God, I escaped permanent paralysis or death.

Then I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but the tumor was small. Surgery and radiation—no chemotherapy was required. Praise the Lord! Again, I was spared. (My radiation therapy ends this week!)

Finally, I experienced a bad fall and landed hard on my left hip. Though I feared I had broken my hip or femur, X-rays and CT scans revealed a large hematoma but no break. Praise God! Saved again!

For reasons only HE knows, I have been spared. My challenge as I enter 2020? To live out His call on my life to the best of my ability until HE—not Satan—calls me home.

One of my favorite psalms is 139. What reassurance that the Lord has us in the palm of his hand! We can trust him, for he is faithful.

“You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me,  O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up,
you are still with me!” (Psalm 139:16-18 NLT)

Yes, I can rest in the fact that my God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and He is my Savior! Satan cannot snatch me out of HIS righteous right hand!

“From eternity to eternity I am God. No one can snatch anyone out of my hand. No one can undo what I have done.” (Isaiah 43:13 NLT)

 Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. (John 10:28-29 NLT)

Challenge: What about you? Ever thought that the Prince of Darkness—Satan himself—was after you? If so, take heart and trust in the Lord to care for you. If not, watch out! He is out there like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. We as human beings who are bent on sinning can get ourselves into much trouble on our own, but Satan can wreak havoc as well. Just ask  David (1 Chronicles 21:1), Job (Job 1:12),  Jeshua (Zechariah 3:1-2),  Judas (Luke 22;3), Peter (Luke 22:31), and Jesus himself (Matthew 4).

Happy New Year! Thank you for all your prayers and support! God bless you as we enter 2020!