As a minister I hear people many times blaming God for the evil that is happening in their lives and in the world around them. They do not have the knowledge of God’s word as to “Where” and from “Whom” these troubles come from. Jesus said in John 16 verse 33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation (trouble): but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Notice Jesus didn’t say that God is causing these troubles, he said that because you live in this world you will at times experience troubling times, but the good news is He gives us a very comforting truth, “be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.”
So where does the evil in this world come from? In the book of John chapter 10 and verse 10 Jesus answers this question, “The thief (devil) comes to steal, kill and destroy, BUT I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly” You see the whole purpose for Jesus going to the cross was to number one “save” us and number two “destroy the works of the devil” Until Jesus returns and the devil is thrown into a bottomless pit (Revelation 20:30) we as believers in God and Jesus have been given what the bible calls the “Armor of God” to help protect us and help us to overcome evil when it presents itself:
The Whole Armor of God
10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
There are many great pieces of armor that the Lord has given to us, let me point out one in particular: Prayer. Jesus teaches us in this verse how and what we should pray in John chapter 11 verses 1-4:
“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.“
The good news is we have been equipped with God’s strength to face and conquer any evil that presents itself in our lives and the lives of our loved ones. We have been given a mighty armor to “fight the good fight of faith”(1Timothy 6:12) and to come out victoriously!
