A few years ago, coyotes caused a big problem in northeast New Jersey. In the town of Saddle River, a rabid coyote attacked and bit a man who was working in his yard. In the town of Norwood, a coyote attacked a man as he was walking his dog. In other North Jersey towns, residents reported seeing coyotes and hearing them howl at night. In an effort to control the threat of coyote attacks, police and animal control officials patrolled these areas and set up traps. Coyotes are furtive, nocturnal creatures that normally will not attack an adult but have been known to attack small children and will go after small pets because they appear weak and vulnerable.
These wild coyotes are a real threat to small children and pets, but there are other dangers that lurk in our neighborhoods. These dangers are unseen, but they are just as real as the wild coyotes. The invisible dangers are evil spirits. Evil spirits are the fallen angels and demons mentioned in the Bible. These evil spirits are like rabid coyotes because, like coyotes, they attack people who appear to be easy targets.
Satan and his demons attack when they think we’re weak. We see this demonic tactic in the Bible story about Judas Iscariot. Judas was one of Jesus’ disciples, but Judas was jealous and greedy. His greed made him vulnerable to satanic attack. When the opportunity came, Satan used Judas’ greed against him, and incited Judas to betray Jesus into the hands of Jesus’ enemies for thirty silver coins.
The Bible gives us other examples of demonic attack. The Bible warns married couples not to stay apart for long periods of time so that they don’t become susceptible to Satan’s temptations (1 Corinthians 7:5). Another way Satan tries to trick the unsuspecting is through evil-minded people who masquerade as religious leaders (2 Corinthians 11:13-14).
Probably the best-known story about demonic attack is the story of Jesus in the wilderness. Jesus went into a deserted wasteland to spend forty days fasting and praying. At the end of this long period of fasting, Jesus was hungry. Satan tried to take advantage of Jesus’ vulnerability by tempting him to use his powers to make bread. Jesus defended himself against Satan’s schemes by using Scripture.
When we least expect it, we are most vulnerable to satanic attack, so the Bible warns us to stay vigilant. The Bible says: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).”
By keeping our eyes open, we can keep our pets and young children safe from wild coyotes. In a similar way, by keeping our spiritual eyes open, we can stay safe from demons and evil spirits. Our spiritual enemies are prowling around looking for the careless, the naive, and those who appear weak and vulnerable. So do what the Bible says, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11).”
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