< Back

Evil at Work

Why do men continually do wrong when they could do right? We are hard put for an explanation unless we accept that of the Bible. The Bible is very clear that there is an evil force at work in our world and it is headed up by Satan. Satan is a real person and his existence is sustained by scripture. To deny his personality is to deny scripture. It is his work and mission to lure us, to entice us, to tempt us to do wrong. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” 1 Peter 5:8. 

The line of Satan’s attack in our life is always the will of God. The will of God is the best thing that could ever happen to us. If Satan can draw us from the center of God’s will, he leads us to sin. To accomplish this, he appeals to every appetite, desire, and ambition within us.  

How can we stand against Satan? In a word—by the written word of God. Jesus once had a terrific struggle with the devil. He met each temptation with the phrase, “It is written…” and then he quoted from the word of God. David once said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee” Psalm 110:11. In the hour of temptation, our one supreme weapon is the word of God. 

Here then is the problem and the solution. Satan is real and at work. He tempts people and they follow him. This is why our world is filled with violence, hate, greed, and evil. But it need not be so. Victory can be ours if we will draw a circle about us with the word of God and stand firm.

Broad categories to help your search
Even more refined tags to find what you need
Paul W. Powell - www.PaulPowellLibrary.com

Today's Devotional

Major on the Basics

Knute Rockne was one of the greatest football coaches ever. In his 13 years at Notre Dame, his teams won 105 games, lost 12, and tied 5. He never had a secret practice. In fact, he sometimes put up a sign for visitors that said, “Secret practice. Come and bring your notebooks.”

On one occasion when an Army scout missed a train connection and didn’t get to the Notre Dame game he was to cover, Rockne obligingly sent him the plays he planned to use against the West Point men. He explained his actions by saying, “It isn’t the play that wins; it’s the execution.”

All great coaches agree: champions are made by majoring on the fundamentals – blocking and tackling. They execute well. Teams seldom win by trick plays or gimmicks.  

The same is true of life. Tricks and gimmicks will seldom get you to the top in any endeavor and can never keep you there. Major on the basics in all of life – work hard, honor God, be honest, kind and helpful to others, and go to church regularly.

Missed yesterday's devotional?

Get it

Want to search all devotionals?

Go

Want to receive the weekday devotional in your inbox?

Register