Battling Satan and Winning 

   “Abandon yourself to God and fear not, because if he puts you in the battle, he certainly will not leave you there just so you can fail.” (St. Augustine, “Confessions”) 

   We take great joy and have celebrations when a difficult battle is won.  Whether it be on the sports field, climbing the ladder of success in our chosen profession, or in the horror of war.  When we win, we celebrate.

   Our battle against Satan should be no different.  We know that we are tempted by him every day in his efforts to turn us from God.  When we reject those temptations, when we rebuke the devil and drive him from us the battle we have won is far greater than any mortal battle.  The battle against Satan and his evils is a battle for our soul and eternal life in God’s kingdom.

   We need never fear when we feel we are unable to overcome the temptations, we have the help of God.  When we call upon Him in our fight against evil our battle will be won.  We may think of Satan as powerful, but the only power he has is to tempt, he cannot impose his evil upon us.  When we call upon the name of God, Satan must flee.

   Perhaps the most perfect defense against the evil one is found in the words, “God, come to my assistance.  Lord, make haste to help me.”  With His help the battle will be won.  And when it is won, let us celebrate and give all praise and glory to God.