Not Today, Not Ever Satan

Let's take a trip back to before we came to earth. Our Father in Heaven presented a plan, we would be born, receive bodies, and live our lives to prepare to live with God again. This was essential so that we could learn, grow and become like Him. Of course, we wouldn't be perfect, we would sometimes fall short and make mistakes, we needed a Saviour.  In Abraham 3:27-28 it says "And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first... And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him."

Then it got a little hairy, in Revelation 12 we read about a war that took place in heaven, the second being Lucifer was cast out and became Satan. Who is he? Well, the bible dictionary says "Satan, also called the adversary or the devil, is the enemy of righteousness and those who seek to follow God. He is a spirit son of God who was once an angel “in authority in the presence of God” (D&C 76:25; see also Isaiah 14:12; D&C 76:26–27). But in the premortal Council in Heaven, Lucifer, as Satan was then called, rebelled against Heavenly Father and the plan of salvation... Satan persuaded “a third part of the hosts of heaven” to turn away from the Father (D&C 29:36). As a result of this rebellion, Satan and his followers were cut off from God’s presence and denied the blessing of receiving a physical body (see Revelation 12:9). They were also denied the opportunity to receive any inheritance in a kingdom of glory."

I know that we are all children of God, and so once was Satan. Before all of the drama, we lived with him, we spent time with him and he knows us. Perhaps not as well as our Saviour (as he performed the atonement and knows how to succour us in all things). But who knows how long we spent with him before the war in heaven. Because of what happened, Satan and his followers tempt us as part of our experience in mortality. He wants us to be "miserable like unto himself” (2 Nephi 2:27), and so he tries to lead us away from righteousness. He knows our weaknesses and vulnerabilities. For some, the idea of toxic substances like drugs and alcohol addiction or pornography is not tempting whatsoever. So he tricks us in other ways, such as self-doubt, worthlessness or feeling stuck in a rut. He is the father of lies, confusion and contention.

Although trials and negativity are essential to our growth, as we would not know exquisite joy if it were not for sorrow (Alma 36:20-21). We must not let it linger any longer than needed. We must not let Satan have control of us, so to bind us down and hold us captive.

Our Loving Father in Heaven does not want us to feel these things, he wants us to feel peace, happiness, accomplishment, positivity, potential, love, strength and so much more!

"Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually.
But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God."
- Moroni 7:12-13

Sometimes it is hard to see the subtle influences of Satan. I frequently look back and realise that something that happened because Satan was trying to stop or postpone something incredible yet to happen. I always found his influence was strongest when I was on the path that Heavenly Father has set for me. Why? Because Satan too knows what we are capable of, and will do anything to stop us from reaching our greatest potential. 

In Christ, all things are possible, including ridding ourselves of Satans influence. As we remember who we are, what has been done for us [the Atonement], and what we are capable of, we will weaken Satans influence over us and draw nearer to our Saviour. It's not always easy, and it takes work to build an armour of protection. But it comes back to the basics, of prayer, scripture study, positive media, church attendance, temple attendance and as we do the things that will help us walk daily with the Saviour, we will be protected and Satan will then quake when we wake up in the morning, falling  on our knees as we begin our day with prayer, to protect us from the adversary and say "Oh no, she's/he's awake!". 

You are loved, you are capable of so much, do not let Satan stand in your way or drag you from the best you can be. Stand firm and say "Not today, not ever Satan" and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Lord. 

Love, Jennadene 

xo