Evil - Alive and Kicking

Today's power scripture comes from Job 1:7 – “The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”.”

Back in the 1970’s a popular television show featured the hilarious renditions of comedian Flip Wilson.  One of the characters that he would portray was a funny, saucy talking female named Geraldine.  Whenever caught in a certain predicament, Geraldine would loudly proclaim – “the devil made me do it”.   It was all a part of a comedy script but there is nothing funny about the fact that the devil is real and he is on a rampage. 

There are many ways in which the devil uses people to his advantage; but one of the most prolific is –misunderstanding.  All of us no doubt have witnessed how simple words or phrases can be distorted to the point that the entire meaning or context of what was originally meant to be expressed is totally misconstrued.  We have seen how cultural differences and misunderstandings can topple foreign relations; just as differences in religion can cause immoral treatment even amongst family members.  The book of Job opens by recalling the actions of the angels as they presented themselves before God.  Satan was there and when asked where he had been, he confessed about his prowling nature. 

We know from this scripture that Satan does canvass the earth with his presence; and we also learn in John that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy.  It is not hard to imagine that the evil-one uses our emotions, fears, and misconceptions against us.  The closer you are to a breakthrough, new blessing or spiritual change, the more ‘stuff’ just seems to keep happening to you.  The devil knows a blessing is on its way and he throws every distraction in the book at you to make you block your own blessing or stand in your own way.  Don’t’ do it.  He wants you to react. As Christians we are called to not react, but to respond. The best response is to put on the whole armor of God and just stand. Be you and do not act outside of your own character.  Through the use of weak vessels (non-believers or shaky believers) Satan acts out his plots. Don’t be fooled – your mother, father, sister, brother, best friend or church member can be used or abused by the devil if they are not on guard.

 Do not allow him to push your buttons. When you feel something is pushing you to be angry, fearful, depressed or overwhelmed about inconsequential, unnecessary things –realize it is the devil.  Satan is real and present sometimes in places we least expect. Stay prayed up and ask God to give you open spiritual eyes and discernment about areas where the devil will try to attack.  Be ready – because he is coming. The more you love the Lord, the more the devil wants to harass you.  If Satan is using people all around you in ways that are unconscionable; that just lets you know that your stupendously, awesome, mind-blowing, life-changing blessing must be just around the corner.   The devil may have made them do it…but our God is seeing us through it. Now run and tell that!

Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day! Be blessed! Dr. JoAnn