And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” Luke 10:18-19

Many people wrongly assume that God allowed the devil to have authority on the earth. Here’s what really happened: God created man in the Garden of Eden and gave them authority over the earth. But when Adam and Eve sinned, they handed over that authority to the devil whose purpose has always been to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Praise God that Jesus came to earth, died, rose again!

Because of His victory on the cross, we have authority over all the power of the enemy as well as the responsibility to stand against the devil and his plans. In Mark 16:17-18 Jesus says, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

What this means is that you do not have to let the devil have his way with you and your family! James 4:7 instructs us saying, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” When he comes at you with pain or destruction, you can use the Word of God as a weapon.

In the midst of an attack, you may be tempted with fear, bitterness, or doubt—but God always provides a way out. Remember the authority you have been given. Keep your eyes on the Lord, use your spiritual weapons and hold your ground!