God or the Devil – who is winning you over?

""It's a test, David. Don't you see? I bet those demons told God that you would run with your tail tucked between your legs at the first sign of difficulty."

She shoved her finger downward. "But God said, 'No! Not David Chance!'"

Yes - the image at the left is kind of cute.  
And that's how too many people view the devil / demons.
And angels as well.

They're just a "story".  Maybe even just a way to make funny commercials where we choose between food that's good for us versus something that we want to eat that maybe isn't do good.

We've been taught to believe that's all there is to angels and demons.  
Or maybe a movie.  Can't forget about that.

Here's more of the conversation that the opening excerpt comes from -

""It's a test, David. Don't you see? I bet those demons told God that you would run with your tail tucked between your legs at the first sign of difficulty."

She shoved her finger downward. "But God said, 'No! Not David Chance!'"

Her voice trembled with emotion. "Not you, David. This isn't you. You're not a coward. You're better than this.
Don't prove them right.
Prove God right!"

"It would help if I knew what I'm supposed to be fighting for."  <David>

"Then ask him! Don't walk around with your arms crossed, pouting like a child."

Is that what you think I'm doing?"  <David>

"You're letting the demons win."

"What am I supposed to do!"  <David>

"Fight, David! Stand up and fight back!"

His beautiful wife stood before him, shaking like an autumn leaf. The sight of it broke his heart.
He thought he was doing what was best for her and the kids, but now he saw what she saw—a man in retreat."

from "Lies (Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Christian Fiction) (The David Chance Series Book 3)" by John Michael Hileman

But what if this is real?

What if this kind of thing really happens?

Why do I think it's real?

Well, for one thing -

The Armor of God

Eph 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 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. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Eph 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Why is this important?

Here's a bit about why Paul wrote Ephesians, from The Books of The Bible, by John H. Sailhamer -

Earlier generations of God’s people did not understand God’s plan for the Gentiles as Paul now does. They were unaware that Jews and Gentiles would some day be united into one people in Christ (Eph 3:6). Now, however, this mystery has been distinctly revealed. Paul himself was specifically called to make it clear. The riches stored up for believers is spiritual power for living a Christian life (3:16).

So this is a letter written to try to explain what had previously been unknown about God's plan for people.  Paul is is explaining God's plan of salvation through Jesus.  This is for "beginners".  It was for beginners when it was first written.  And it is certainly available for beginners to read in the Bible today.  There's nothing that says - hey! warning! this text is not for newbies.  don't try this at home without an experienced warrior of God with you!  

Not at all.