Even Evil is Under God’s Control

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Bible Reading

Matthew 24

Devotional Thoughts:

Reading Matthew 24 I can certainly see some parallels to what we see in today’s world. “Many will give up their faith… they will betray one another and hate one another… such will be the spread of evil that many people’s love will grow cold… “ (Matt 24:9-13)

Do you ever get tired of the evil around you? I certainly do. In the past couple weeks there has been increasing reports of crime here in our little town. It appears the authorities are not doing much about it. It is discouraging. I can understand what Matthew is talking about when he says, with such a great spread of evil, “many people’s love will grow cold.” People will give up hope in justice and goodness.  

Don’t give up, we are told in Heb 12:3. 2 Cor 4:1 reminds us that because of the ministry we have is by the mercy of God, “Do not lose heart!”  Your labor is not in vain. (1 Cor 15:58)  

Even the spread of evil is under God’s control. Look at what Jesus says in Matt 24:22-24. “But God has reduced the number of days; had he not done so, nobody would survive. For the sake of his chosen people, however, God will reduce the days. “ Yes it’s true you may think, “If God is in control, why doesn’t he just do away with all the evil?” He will, in time. But, for now remember what Jesus said in John 16:33.  “In me you have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

In John 17 Jesus prayed these words:
14 the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.

Declarations:

  1. Thank you for your mercy that has put a boundary around evil, and reduced the number of days for my sake, one of your chosen. (Eph 1:4) Even the evil of this world is under your authority.  
  2. In you I have peace! Yes, in the world, physically, politically, emotionally, I may face tribulation. But I claim your peace today, because I know we win in the end. You have ALREADY overcome the world. (John 16:33)
  3. God has left me here to display his glory to those who witness my life (John 17:22) He could have removed me the moment I was saved. But, He has a bigger plan for my life… and it includes helping the world to know Him (John 17:23).

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