Some time ago, I heard a Christian man give a powerful testimony. He told of the years he had wasted as a backslidden believer, running from the Lord. He spoke of how the Holy Spirit had brought him to the end of himself and to a new beginning in his walk with Christ. It was wonderful!

Then he said these most unexpected words, “I am having the hardest time of my life right now – but I am rejoicing!” He went on to explain that the Devil had left him alone for twenty years because his life had been more in step with what the enemy wanted than what Jesus wanted. Now that he had dedicated his life to Lord, Satan was fighting him at every turn.

As I listened to his story the words of my grandfather came to mind: “If the Devil never bothers you…he’s already got you!” Vance Havner said it this way, “If you never run into the Devil you’re going the wrong direction.” Could it be that so many believers face no persecution, no affliction, no opposition because they are moving the wrong direction? The enemy has them right where he wants them.

On the other hand, if you are fighting the devil it is proof that you must be standing on the right side of the battlefield. Forward movement always brings friction, and anything God ordains Satan opposes.

Obedient servants of Christ will always face opposition from the enemy. Paul said it this way, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:9).

Take heart! Is Satan fighting? God is working.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).