Understand that Satan is real. FIGHT him at every turn. This will bring you even closer to God.

He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

Now you’re really going to have to trust me. That’s because I will tell you right off the bat that one of the Secrets to Life is knowing that Satan is very much alive in the world, actively after your soul, and that you have to fight him every step of your journey. As you read this he is most likely putting doubt in your mind. He is the king of doubt and deceit.

Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same suffering. 1 Peter 5:8-9

As I am writing this, Satan is hurling doubts at me. “No one is going to believe this.” “People don’t want to believe in devils—this will ruin your blog.” “No one is going to read this anyway, so why even bother.” “You have no credibility writing about any of this nonsense.” “You’ve wasted over five years thinking about this.” “This will not help anyone.”

Only after I heard God’s call and accepted him into my life did I understand and accept Satan as a real being. He had the audacity to temp Jesus, the Son of God. So, you really don’t think that he’s going to skip you, do you?

He was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by Satan. Mark 1:13

I have news for you: Satan is real. He is not about Halloween or horror movies. He is not some character of myth. Satan is a real being. He is the root and personification of evil. He is trying to tempt you away from God day in and day out.

The coming of the lawless one is apparent in the working of Satan, who uses all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10

So, wake up and understand you have to FIGHT Satan every day because he is all around you and after souls. Knowing he is there throwing temptation at you is more than half of your battle. FIGHT!