Going the Distance

Ephesians 6:12 NKJV — For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.


The fight just seems to go on forever. The bell rings and it’s time for another round. You’ve got the skills, know all the techniques and yet, the other guy just won’t go down! All the bob n’ weaves and rope-a-dopes in the world can’t stop, this other guy that you can only describe as a four letter word. This fight should have been won and done long ago. Why can’t he be stopped? Who is this four letter word, the one they call evil?

Psalm 28:3 NKJV — Do not take me away with the wicked
And with the workers of iniquity,
Who speak peace to their neighbors,
But evil is in their hearts.

We seem to be experiencing that “somebody done somebody wrong” song everyday. Media outlets hit us with breaking news about the mayhem throughout the world. Nuclear threats, mass shootings, protests, indiscretions by males and females and most of all we are informed by groups and individuals disobeying the law and getting away with it. Evil deeds being done and there seems to be no justice in sight. Lawlessness and immorality rule the day and if you hold an opposing view then you’re labeled as closed minded, old and racially biased. Jesus cautions those that accuse the righteous.

Matthew 23:27-28 NKJV — “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

How long will God allow evil to run unabated? We cry for justice but does God hear our prayers? During a time of Israelite rebellion, the Prophet Habakkuk was perplexed by the events that surrounded him. What was happening then sounds a lot like what is happening in our society today.

Habakkuk 1:2-4 NKJV — O LORD, how long shall I cry,
And You will not hear?
Even cry out to You, “Violence!”
And You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity,
And cause me to see trouble?
For plundering and violence are before me;
There is strife, and contention arises. Therefore the law is powerless,
And justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
Therefore perverse judgment proceeds.

Then the Lord God answered;

Habakkuk 1:5 NKJV — “Look among the nations and watch—
Be utterly astounded!
For I will work a work in your days
Which you would not believe, though it were told you.

In the remainder of chapters 1 and 2 God shows Habakkuk a vision of the work and cleansing that God would do in Israel to bring His people back into His graces. The prayers would be answered but the cost of their rebellion would be great.

The fight against evil may go to the final bell but if you train with the Word of God, with prayer and supplication then the victory will be yours.

Job 8:20-22 NKJV — Behold, God will not cast away the blameless,
Nor will He uphold the evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughing,
And your lips with rejoicing. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame,
And the dwelling place of the wicked will come to nothing.”

 

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