Christian Fights the Dragon

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — from James 4

Down in a low valley, a horrible monster came stomping to meet Christian. His name was Apollyon. He was covered in scales like a fish, he had wings like a dragon and feet like a bear, and fire and smoke came out of him. He was dreadful!

“You belong to me,” Apollyon roared, “and I will not let you go to that City.” Christian said no — he served the King now. So the monster hurled a flaming dart at him, then another, and another, thick as hail. Christian lifted his shield to catch them, but he was wounded in his head, his hand, and his foot.

The fight went on and on — for half a day! At last Christian grew so weak that his sword flew out of his hand, and Apollyon rushed in to finish him. It looked like the end.

But Christian stretched out and grabbed his sword again, and cried, “Don’t cheer yet, my enemy — when I fall, I will get up again!” He gave a mighty thrust, and shouted, “In all these things we are more than conquerors, through Jesus who loved us!” And Apollyon spread his dragon wings and flew away. Christian had won — and leaves from the tree of life healed his wounds.

The devil is real, but you don’t have to beat him with your own strength. Christian won with God’s Word and the victory of Jesus. When you say no to what’s wrong and hold on to God, the enemy runs.

Dear God, make me brave. Help me say no to what is wrong, and win by trusting in Jesus. Amen.