Force of Evil

Force of Evil

Written by Dene Nidiffer.

I have been feeling particularly affected by the state of the world or at least my perception of it.  It feels like there is evil everywhere I turn!  I simply won’t listen to the “news” as it offers little to no good!

In just the past few weeks alone, I learned that girls that I’ve known for years are entangled in self-image issues that have lead to bulimia, running away, suicidal thoughts, and cutting!  In addition, robberies to private homes all over the city, including the neighborhood we just moved to only weeks ago!  Loss of jobs all over the US and here in Indianapolis resulting a reduction in project opportunities at my firm, and of course, 1000’s losing jobs right here in Indy!  Possible cancer or actual cancer in so many friends!  Sometimes I wish I lived in a bubble filled with joy – and food and water and family and Jesus!  And the feeling I have reminds of that movie from long ago where the main character flung open the window of the apartment and said something like, “I am mad as heck and I’m not going to take it anymore!”  I have wished so many times that it was just that easy to make a wholesale change in people, in the world, in myself!  But, of course, we all know it is not!

 

The answer to it all lies with Jesus – it always has and always will!  We know it and we must continue to remember!

 

It is in relying on and learning God’s Word that we can defeat evil forces!  It is evident from reading the Word that the enemy uses all aspects of life against us – finances, relationships, illness, politics, self esteem, love, hate, and many, many others.  We believe the lies and let it overwhelm us to the point that people like me have to write blogs that remind us of the importance of arming ourselves appropriately against these lies!

 

I often choose to remind myself of God’s armor/the fight to the finish and for this writing I reference it again so that I could share every single word with you, too.

 

Ephesians 6: 10-18

 

God’s Armor – (NIV Reader’s Version)

¹⁰ Finally, let the Lord make you strong. Depend on his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on all of God’s armor. Then you can stand firm against the devil’s evil plans. ¹² Our fight is not against human beings. It is against the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. It is against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly world.

¹³ So put on all of God’s armor. Evil days will come. But you will be able to stand up to anything. And after you have done everything you can, you will still be standing.

¹⁴ So stand firm. Put the belt of truth around your waist. Put the armor of godliness on your chest. ¹⁵ Wear on your feet what will prepare you to tell the good news of peace. ¹⁶ Also, pick up the shield of faith. With it you can put out all of the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Put on the helmet of salvation. And take the sword of the Holy Spirit. The sword is God’s word.

¹⁸ At all times, pray by the power of the Spirit. Pray all kinds of prayers. Be watchful, so that you can pray.  Always keep on praying for all of God’s people.

 

A Fight to the Finish (The Message)

^10-12 And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.

^13-18 Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out.

So as I finish, I choose to imagine myself, all of you and every single Christian throwing open that “window” all at the same time, with all our armor on and yelling…

“Satan, we are sick to death of your lies and we will not believe them anymore!”

Hmmmmm, I like the way that image makes me feel!

United & strong!

To read more about Dene, click here.