You have an enemy—and it may not be who you think it is. It’s not the person you’re competing against at work. It’s not the difficult neighbor. It’s not your ex-spouse.

Your enemy isn’t human at all.

“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 NIV).

Your battle is with Satan.

One of the reasons we so often walk around in discouragement and defeat is because we don’t really understand who we’re battling. We don’t understand who our real enemy is. We blame the economy, a political party, a segment of people, or the person we can’t stand down the street.

We blame everyone but the one the Bible calls a thief and a liar, who is out to destroy anyone who loves and follows Jesus.

To find victory in your life over what’s dragging you down, you’ve got to start by attacking the right enemy.

When you do, keep these truths in mind as you battle against your true enemy, Satan.

First, you’re no match for Satan. It’s like trying to shoot a rubber band at a battleship. Outside of Jesus, you have no hope of defeating Satan’s influence over your life.

Second, everyone gets used by Satan. Satan will put thoughts in the minds of Christians and non-Christians alike. At times we can all be a pawn of Satan. You need to protect yourself with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Third, not everything that is spiritual is good. There’s spiritual light and spiritual darkness. Don’t fall for the lie that all roads to God are equal. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV).

Finally, Satan doesn’t fight fair. Satan can’t slug you, so instead he puts discouraging and depressing ideas into your mind. You’ve got to catch him in the act, let him know you know where the idea comes from, and ask the Holy Spirit for help.

Satan is real. He’s the enemy who has been disrupting your life—but he doesn’t have a chance against God’s power in your life when you call on Jesus’ name.