Answers
By Billy Graham • June 23, 2015 • Topics: Sin
Q:
How powerful is the devil? When I look at the world situation today, I can't help but think that Satan must be stronger than God, at least for the time being. Is this true?
A:
No, it is not true. Satan’s power is real, but it’s also limited, unlike God’s power, which is unlimited. The Bible says, “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you” (2 Samuel 7:22).
At the same time, we must not underestimate Satan’s power. Sometimes we reduce him to a cartoon character, running around in a red suit with a pitchfork and horns, but Satan is far greater than that! He is a powerful spiritual being who hates God, and Satan and his demons are doing everything they possibly can to block God’s purposes. This is why the Bible warns us to be constantly on guard “against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Evil is a mystery; we don’t always know why God allows evil things to happen. But we do know this: Satan is a defeated foe! By His death and resurrection Jesus Christ defeated Satan’s power over death and evil, and some day Christ’s victory will be complete and Satan will be cast out forever. Someday, the Bible’s prophecy will come true: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord… and he will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).
In the meantime, make sure your faith and hope are in Christ. At times, evil may seem to be winning the day, but it isn’t true. God alone is sovereign, and eventually He, not Satan, will win. Never forget: Christ alone is worthy of our trust.
