A mother weeps inconsolably, cradling in her arms the lifeless body of her little girl, victim of a traffic accident. The woman looks up to the sky and asks in anguish, “Why, Lord? Tell me, why?”

Perhaps it is not visible at first glance, but Revelation reveals the reason for suffering. This world is the stage for a cosmic conflict between Jesus and the enemy of souls, and suffering is just one of the consequences. The struggle began in heaven with Lucifer’s rebellion and then extended to the earth (Isaiah 14:12–15).

Jesus’ weapons are His love and truth (1 John 4:16), while the enemy employs deceit and lies (John 8:44). The consequences of this conflict are pain and death, two tragic realities from which no one can escape.

Revelation warns that “the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12). Every day, from the moment you wake up until you go to sleep, your heart and mind are besieged by the enemy, leading you into rebellion, just as he did with a third of the angels in heaven (vers. 3, 4).

Ever since Lucifer rebelled in heaven, he has tried to prove to the universe that his accusations against Jesus were justified. Although he managed to deceive a third of the angels (verse 4) and fought against Jesus, he and the angels who followed him were defeated and ultimately cast out of heaven (verses 7–9).

The conflict then moved to this planet. The first humans God created, Adam and Eve, fell victim to Lucifer’s deception. He disguised himself as a serpent and suggested to Eve that if she ate the fruit God had told her not to eat, her eyes would be opened, and she would be like God. The idea fascinated her, and she fell into Satan’s trap (Genesis 3:1–10).

Revelation details in prophetic language the enemy’s attacks against Jesus and His followers (Revelation 13:7). It shows how the enemy has used deception and seduction to lead the children of God into disobedience, and when those weapons failed, he pursued, mistreated, and humiliated them.

However, the book also proclaims the final victory of Christ and His church. Although the struggle is a daily reality, victory is assured for those who trust in Jesus. John saw “an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him” (Revelation 20:1, 2).

Every day, you decide to do good or evil. You constantly hear Jesus’ voice and the enemy’s voice. Jesus invites you: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” If you hear His voice and open the door, the Lord Jesus will come into your heart, and you will dine with Him, and He with you (Revelation 3:20).

Only you can make the decision. What will you choose? Will you allow Jesus into your life, or will you leave Him waiting?