What do the Battle of New Orleans and Satan have in common?

      What do the Battle of New Orleans and Satan have in common? 


      Sing along with me: “In 1814 we took a little trip along with Colonel Jackson down the mighty Mississip.  We took a little bacon and we took a little beans, and we fought the bloody British in the town of New Orleans.”

Okay, so if you know that song, you’re a senior citizen, like me.

What do the Battle of New Orleans and Satan have in common?





First, let’s read Satan’s declaration in Isaiah 14:12-14:

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!

“For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the most High.’” (NKJV)


      In his pride, ambition, and self-will, Lucifer declared independence from his Creator, the Most High God. He set himself equal to God. Lucifer’s rebellion was a declaration of war on God and thus a declaration of war on God’s most beloved creation—Mankind. So, the war of the universe had begun.


     My pastor often says, “Pride is the firstfruit of unbelief.” Look what pride did to Lucifer, impacting the entire human race. 


     Satan’s rebellion and the Battle of New Orleans have something in common.


     I was recently reminded that the Battle of New Orleans took place a few days after the signing of the Treaty of Ghent which was the peace treaty that ended the War of 1812.


     American, Bvt. Maj. General Andrew Jackson and British, Maj. General Sir Edward Packenham were unaware that that the war had ended. Though Jackson’s victory boosted the total American win of the war, the loss of life was unfortunate and unnecessary, about 250 Americans and about 2,000 British soldiers died on the battlefield that day. (This battle lasted approximately 30 minutes and 2,250 men died!)


      Consider the war casualties after the war had actually ended. What a shame!


      So, what do the Battle of New Orleans and Satan have in common?


      Consider the war casualties of death, unfulfilled lives and purposes, lack of victory, ill health, lack of peace, and on and on, in the lives of God’s children who don’t realize or have forgotten that the cosmic war between good and evil has been won—it’s over and done. “It is finished.”


      Jesus defeated Satan when He was crucified, restored to life, and walked out of the grave.


      We need to be continually mindful of this truth. We fight battles regularly, even daily. We have anxieties, think bad thoughts, suffer physical and emotional pain, get mad or frustrated, and so on. It’s part of life. But the ultimate victory is ours when we’re trusting in Christ Jesus, even when some outcomes don’t go our way.  


      I often remind myself what Jesus said. “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NASB).


      Let’s remember, every day, that Satan is defeated. Jesus already won the war and victory is already ours because we are His.


      Please join me in prayer. Holy God, thank You for sending Jesus to defeat Satan. Only Jesus could have stood against such a foe. And now, with the Spirit of Christ in us, we too have the power to win against Satan’s devices.  Help us to be mindful daily that Jesus already won the war and we can take courage, knowing He has overcome the world and we are His own. In Jesus name we pray—Amen. 

©Copyright 2019 Connie Wohlford