Have you ever wondered about the true nature of a troublemaker? Consider this: you are traveling on a highway and suddenly meet a group of vigilantes. Such a group can certainly pose a menace. They can interrupt your journey, cause inconvenience, and in some places, even present real danger. Yet, at most, they remain a nuisance—because they have no real authority.

It is a completely different matter if, while traveling, you encounter a genuine law-enforcement unit. That unit operates with the full power and authority of the law. They can not only stop you, but also arrest you and take you to court.

When the devil attacks us, he is nothing more than a troublemaker. Yes, he can inconvenience us and try to detain us. He can bring all sorts of accusations and threats. But in actual fact, he has neither power nor authority over us. That power has been given entirely to Jesus: “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me’” (Matthew 28:18).

And because Satan knows he lacks ultimate power and authority, he resorts to screaming and raging. Yet his threats are empty. He likes to throw his weight around, to boast, and to intimidate. This behavior is typical of those who know they are powerless; but all he can do is put up a dramatic show.

Believers will face many troubles, which are often disruptions brought about by Satan. They can fall sick. They can face financial challenges. At the workplace, they can be falsely accused or lose their jobs. They can have wayward children who cause them restlessness. However, all these are the works of Satan, who wants to drive them to despair and cry for help to him. Yet, he still has no true authority; he only brings temporary chaos, much like a rogue vigilante group.

Therefore, in moments of trouble, go straight to Jesus, who possesses the ultimate power and authority to arrest any situation.