SATAN'S TEMPORARY REIGN

"If we had not been Satan's prisoner first, we would not fully understand or appreciate our deliverance at last.

 No one will doubt God's almighty power when they see Him flick this mighty dragon off the earth and into hell as though he were a gnat. Just as man alone is no match for the devil, so Satan with all his troops is no match for God. What a glorious name God will have for Himself when He has finished this war!

The workmanship of heaven and earth gave God the name of Creator. Providence gave Him the name of Preserver. But His triumph over Satan gives Him a name above every other-- that of Savior. As Savior He both preserves rescued man from destruction and creates a new creature in him-- a child of grace. Then the Savior nestles this babe in His bosom and carries him safely past all the commotions of Satan, until at last he reaches heaven.

There is no greater evidence of God's mercy than His plan of redemption. All His other majestic works will flow as rivers into this one mighty sea, on whose shores the saints will stand with great rejoicing. Know this for certain: If we had not been Satan's prisoner first, we would not fully understand or appreciate our deliverance at last.

God permits Satan's temporary reign in order to increase the saint's eternal joy. Does this sound like a paradox? Think about your own life, and you will find that often the occasions for the greatest joy arise from the ashes of suffering. Scripture gives three illustrations of great joy: the joy of a new mother, the joy of a prosperous farmer, and the joy of a successful soldier. The exultation of all three is harvested from hard soil. It costs the travailing woman great pain, the farmer many months of backbreaking labor, and the soldier grave peril, before they come to their reward. But at last they are paid in full. And it is a peculiar attribute of sorrow that its past remembrance so often adds a sweetness to our present joy.”

I am reminded that His grace is still amazing! The realization of our freedom is glorious in the light of our former bondage and weakness. Yes, it is true! “Amazing Grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!
 I once was lost but now I am found, was blind but now I see!” Thank you Lord God!

Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617