The journey to publication is never easy. My road has had its share of potholes as I await the January release of my novel, The First Principle. Though many things have gone smoothly, right now it seems I’m getting one email after another filled with disappointing news beyond my control.

In the midst of these circumstances, I believe there is an underlying spiritual battle happening because my book includes the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and affirms the value of life. If that seems strange, consider this:

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).

Yet, when Satan and the powers of darkness appear to be winning, I remember this:

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Not only God is more powerful than Satan, but nothing suprises God or hinders his plan. The story of Joseph in Genesis provides an example. Joseph’s brothers, inspired by evil, sold him into slavery. Years later when Joseph was in a powerful position in Egypt, his brothers came back into his life in need of salvation from a famine. And Joseph said this:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph recognized God was at work in every setback he faced. I need to have the same perspective in my  life. And if you’re facing a spiritual battle, I pray these verses will encourage you as much as they have me.