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Satan Redoubles His Efforts, May 2
The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him,
and delivereth them.
Psalm 34:7
.
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were
it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our
Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect
our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil
angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks
we have, in our own strength, no method of defense. If permitted, they can
distract our minds, disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our possessions
and our lives. Their only delight is in misery and destruction. Fearful is
the condition of those who resist the divine claims and yield to Satan’s
temptations, until God gives them up to the control of evil spirits. But those
who follow Christ are ever safe under His watchcare. Angels that excel
in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The wicked one cannot
break through the guard which God has stationed about His people.
The great controversy between Christ and Satan, that has been carried
forward for nearly six thousand years, is soon to close; and the wicked one
redoubles his efforts to defeat the work of Christ in man’s behalf and to
fasten souls in his snares. To hold the people in darkness and impenitence
till the Saviour’s mediation is ended, and there is no longer a sacrifice for
sin, is the object which he seeks to accomplish.
When there is no special effort made to resist his power, when indiffer-
ence prevails in the church and the world, Satan is not concerned; for he
is in no danger of losing those whom he is leading captive at his will. But
when the attention is called to eternal things, and souls are inquiring, “What
must I do to be saved?” he is on the ground, seeking to match his power
against the power of Christ.... He is in attendance when men assemble for
the worship of God. Though hidden from sight, he is working with all
diligence to control the minds of the worshipers.
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