Facing Evil: Choosing Survival - Part 3

Survival is paramount for everyone. I'm not referring to our physical survival, but to whatever causes anxiety and worry and feelings helplessness. Dark days of the soul come periodically. Grief triggered by a loved one's death, an unwanted divorce, an unhappy marriage, or a debilitating disease can be responsible for depressive days.

When your life space is threatened physically, emotionally, socially, or spiritually, survival becomes an issue. If tragedy strikes a family, relationships may become vulnerable. The death of a child can cause guilt and blame, even hatred and anger. Relationships can begin to disintegrate if emotions become toxic.

This is not God's intent, for he is a God of comfort and compassion, so be receptive to his love and mercy. Isaiah portrays Jesus as a "man of sorrows, acquainted with grief." What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and grief to bear, what a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer. Activating this privilege is a wonderful choice.

Facing Evil: Choosing Survival - Part 2

Evil does not occur by happenstance. Evil is a deliberate power force  whose mission is to possess and destroy anyone who submits to its enticements. Anton Chekhov wrote in 1887 that "evil passions are as inherent in life as are good ones." Those who close their eyes and ears to evil do not distract from its penetration or its grasp on people.

The Irish politician Edmund Burke wrote, "It is necessary only for the good man to do nothing for evil to triumph." Surviving and defeating evil takes courage, courage to put on the armor of God to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. The shield of faith which God provides for you deflects Satan's evil darts that he hurls your way.

The shield of faith proves that God stands with you against Satan, which is affirmed by 1 John 4:4: "Greater is he who is in you, than he who is in the world." The shield of faith enables you to reject evil thoughts and impulses by petitioning Christ Jesus to intervene on your behalf. This choice saves you from hurt and suffering. God bless you as you face this challenge. 

Facing Evil: Choosing Survival - Part 1

Evil will always be a contender for the hearts and souls of men, women, and children. Evil is not an easy or popular subject to discuss. In the 16th century William Shakespeare noted the disastrous effects of evil on society and on individual lives. Commenting on the assassination of Julius Caesar, Shakespeare wrote, "The evil that men do lives after them, the good is often buried with their bones."

1 Corinthians 15:33 reminds us that evil communications or bad company corrupts good character. It was Caesar's most trusted advisers and best friend who plotted and carried out his murder. Every business, home, and automobile has devices to prevent crime that is done by human beings.

Surviving evil is a personal choice, a choice that permits the power of God and his word to hold a prominent place in your life.  Evil creates war within you, but can be defeated by putting on God's armor that's designed to empower you to claim the Good News of Christ Jesus in the face of evil. This choice insures your survival.