There are bad things happening all around us. Bombings, drive-by shootings, wars and rumors of wars, drugs, violence, hatred, and economic woes are all staring us in the face every day. Not to mention our own personal struggles.
There are a lot of ways to react to the danger and the fear in our world today. You can get calloused to it and ignore it. You can get angry, worry, or wring your hands in fear and despair.
But none of those reactions will solve anything or give you peace. Whether we like it or not, we have to deal with the dangers that surround us, rise up and remember that in Christ, we are already the victors. It’s so important to remember that according to the Word of God, the victory is yours and the battle is the Lord’s. The devil is already under your feet!
God knew we were going to be facing very real dangers in these days. In Matthew 24:14, Jesus said, “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled.”
Notice that first line tells us to be careful that what men are saying doesn’t deceive us. For one thing, we’re not supposed to be moved by the barrage of non-stop news that comes to us through the media.
Everyone has something to say about what’s happening today, but keep in mind that they’re looking at things from a completely carnal point of view instead of the Word of God! It’s so important to feed yourself on more of God’s truth than on the crisis mindset of the world. That means turning off the news sometimes and listening to God instead!
Secondly, notice the last line of that verse. What does Jesus Himself say we should do when we hear all the bad news that’s swirling around us? See that ye be not troubled. That takes some effort, doesn’t it.
To me that means we have a choice. We can’t let bad news cripple our faith and throw us into fear! I believe Jesus was telling us not to be surprised, and to refuse to let trouble enter our hearts.
If you let him, Satan will use daily information to inundate you with terror and hatred, so that you’ll feel hopeless over what’s happening in the world today. One of his best ploys is to create fear outside you so you’ll throw down your faith and believe what you see, hear, and feel more than you believe God. Don’t let that fear get inside you and rob you of your faith! Because the world at large, and your own personal world, needs your faith more than ever (1 John 5:4).
This is the time for us to rise up stronger than ever and use our authority, both in our own lives and in the world. We are the light of the world! (Matt 5:14). We have all the authority in Jesus! (Luke 10:19)
Remember, Jesus has already defeated the devil and sat down at the right hand of God—the enemy is his footstool (Acts 2:34, 35). That means He’s not wringing His hands over the earth today; He’s sitting down, confident of the victory!
So let’s settle that in our hearts and start acting like Him — like our battles are already won. Train yourself to look at events through God’s eyes instead of the world’s.
The only way to do that is to keep yourself saturated in God’s Word and make sure you’re only thinking and saying what God says about situations. As far as He’s concerned, it’s already a done deal — the devil’s already under your feet!
