People will sometimes say, “I’m struggling with my demons.” In a way, it’s true. Evil is behind every sin, and it feels controlling, like a demon wrapping its talons around your soul.

One story from Mark 5 makes the hairs on your arm stand on end. A demon-possessed man, naked and screaming and bleeding, tells Jesus, “My name is legion, for we are many” (verse 9). Talk about struggling with your demons! Demons are powerful, yet they left the man. Do you know why? Jesus told them to. That’s how much stronger he is.

What demons are controlling you? Addiction? Anger? Selfishness? Jesus wants to cast out those demons too, because he wants to make his home in your heart. Jesus said, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20,21). Jesus wants to cast those demons out of your heart so he can live there … and he has.

Jesus came into this world and battled the devil. The devil lost. Jesus freed you from all the sins the devil accuses you of by living a perfect life, dying for your sins, and rising from the dead. Jesus crushed the devil’s head forever by stepping out of the tomb alive on Easter morning. The devil does not control you, nor does your sin. Jesus lives to cast the demons out of your life and to dwell in your heart. You win!