My dad loves watching CNN. As he has aged, his interest in world headlines has become more and more evident as he spends many hours of the morning and evening glued to this worldwide news station. Each day since we have been here visiting in his home, I have gone to sleep hearing the faint whispering of the television emanating from his bedroom and awoken to the same. Throughout the day, he periodically wheels into the living or dining room in his black Cadillac (his wheelchair) and updates us on the latest news story. We all ooh and aah and oh my goodness, how terrible. Then, right back into his room he goes to get more breaking details.
Since we have been in Mexico (officially seven days yesterday) he has informed us of three major attacks being claimed by ISIS. These attacks have taken hundreds of people; men, women and children, simply living their day-to-day lives. These individuals were targeted, not because of who they were specifically, but rather, whom they represented and the place in which they were patronizing.
These attacks come at the close of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a time for prayer, peace and fasting. They come at a time when many Muslims across the world join together in an act of unity to point their energies towards Allah and redirect themselves in alignment with Him. With so many Muslims killed during a time when their God is being uplifted to the highest, one can only ask, why?
I remember when I was in my teens, working at Old Navy on Chicago’s famous State Street downtown, a preacher often stood outside the store proselytizing what I called at the time, “fire and brimstone”. His sermons, or rather, screamed directives and warnings, warned of the fiery pits of hell that we were all destined for if we continued to live in sin. He often spoke of the devil and how his plans were to break down good Christians by infiltrating the world with temptation and evil. He was sure to remind every passerby that their actions could either be used to uplift God or be used as fuel to feed the devil. It was our choice and of course, he implored that we chose the path of righteousness.
Thinking back on this man and looking at the horrific events of the past few days, I honestly have to ponder if maybe he was on to something. Is the adversary really trying to test the limits of our faith as a people? Is the devil really inhabiting the bodies and minds of those who are most vulnerable to his deceptive ways as a means to get to those who are walking with God in faithfulness?
It seems like every day, someone or something is being destroyed by hatred, violence, or lack of basic human decency and love. Could this indeed be the work of the enemy?
Growing up as a child in an agnostic home, I always felt that the devil was just a scapegoat for people behaving badly. I believed that this red-faced, horned cartoon character was something folks felt could explain away poor judgement and unsavory behavior. I didn’t really believe that the forces of evil were brewing beneath the surface, waiting to pounce on people and cause them to commit atrocious acts. I just thought those were people behaving badly, people who had poor upbringings, people who lacked common courtesy and manners or encountered unfortunate situations. But now, the more I read, the more I learn, the closer I walk with my God and His ultimate goodness, I can see that yes, indeed, times like these very well could be the handiwork of a very real and malicious enemy.
I would hazard a guess that many would agree with me. In Priscilla Shirer’s bible study The Armor of God, the author asserts that the adversary is alive and well and simply lying in wait for the right moment when we are at our weakest and most vulnerable. He is waiting for the perfect opportunity to burrow his way into our hearts and minds to throw us off course. She implores us to always be on the alert, on the defense, looking for traces of the devil in everyday ways and to equip ourselves with the armor of God to steady ourselves against his schemes.
When the devil rears his ugly head in our safe spaces, our airports, our entertainment venues, our town centers, what are we to do? How do we effectively combat evil when it seems as though we are outnumbered? How do we protect ourselves and our loved ones from an enemy assault? Can we? Where is God when our very faith is on the verge of shattering into a million pieces? How can we put on the armor of God when it seems we cannot even lift a finger to find our way out of tragedy?
We can start by seeking the truth, and for me, that is the living word of God. By tuning out the television and tuning in to a word from our God, we can begin to put on our armor, one piece at a time. This word has given me hope, peace, joy and comfort. The good news has given me a freedom in knowing that I live my life not for the approval of others, but rather for the approval of my God. Through Christ I have been given a precious life and unconditional love and by living a life of practical righteousness, I can give others and my awesome God love right back. God’s word teaches me how to have faith and give love even in times or turmoil.
My prayer is for my brothers and sisters who are hurting at this time; for those who have lost loved ones and friends to senseless acts of the devil’s maleficence. My prayer is for those on the verge, who hear the siren’s call of the adversary and are creeping slowly away from God. My prayer is for our world, that it be healed with the light and love of God. My prayer is that every person, regardless of race, creed, religion, gender or nationality, discover comfort in a higher power that loves unconditionally, wholly and perfectly. My prayer is for you dear reader, that wherever you are at this moment, that health, happiness and love come your way today and fill your life with hope and encouragement.
Where do you turn for security in a world that is scary and ever-changing? Is there a piece of biblical scripture, a specific quote or activity that you find brings you comfort? Please share it in the comments. We can all benefit from a strong cache of strategies to equip ourselves against an unseen enemy in our midst.