“They sailed to the region of the Gerasenes,[b] which is across the lake from Galilee. 27 When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.” Luke 8.26-29
We are under attack. No, the Russians aren’t coming—not that I know of! We are under spiritual attack. I feel it, you feel it, the world feels it. It’s every day, at every turn. And those of us who are seeking Christ and making an impact for Him are especially susceptible to the schemes of the enemy.
The verse of the day that popped up on my phone was from Ephesians 6: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). I realize I am under attack daily. The devil wants us to feed the flesh, stray from holiness, leave the light, and enter into darkness. But we have a Savior who faced darkness head-on and defeated the enemy once and for all.
When Jesus arrived in the region of the Gerasenes, a spirit there already knew exactly who He was—even though they had never formally met or been in the same place before. That spirit was the demon (actually a legion of them) possessing the man from the tombs. The demon knew who Jesus was because, in the spiritual realm, the news had been broadcast far and wide. It was like a massive announcement went out at Jesus’ birth and again when He began His public ministry.
As Jesus stepped ashore, it was as if a huge billboard flashed above and around Him—one that only those in the spiritual realm could see. It declared: “Jesus, Son of the Most High God.” The demon recognized His identity long before most of humanity did. When Jesus commanded the impure spirits to come out of the man, instant recognition, authority, and surrender followed.
Jesus still does the same for us today. When we face temptation and give in to sin, we reject the truth of God. The enemy gets a foothold, and the light flickers. But with immediate confession, repentance, and genuine remorse, the light of the Lord returns instantly. Forgiveness is granted, and holiness is restored.
Our battle is not against flesh and blood—just ask the demon-possessed man in the story. The real fight is in the spiritual realms, where Jesus not only holds the victory but also the keys to death and Hades. He overcame evil by dying on the cross, defeating death, and rising again. This is our victory too—when we trust in the Lord, we become His children and can walk in the light.
If you’ve given in to temptation and sinned, turn back to Christ right now. Let His blood wash over your soul and set you free instantly. Don’t let the devil—who comes only to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10)—take you down. Fight back by putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18). Then you will walk in the glorious light of the Lord. Each day is a new day. The darkness has passed, and the light of Christ lives in you.
“O Lord God, You are loving. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for the power of the cross. Come now, Holy Spirit, and fill me. I love You, Lord, and praise Your name. Without You, I am utterly lost. But in You, I find hope, life, and love. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.