It’s a difficult thing. Most of use are tempted to walk away, because to look upon evil can cause us to feel the pain that it intends to inflict on us.

We turn away believing that doing so will alleviate the problem, at least for a little while. It’s like taking medication when we have a headache knowing that it could come back in 4 hours or so. In the mean time, we forget that the headache was even there, going about our day. But deep down, we know that the chance of that headache returning are greater than what we hope. Even still, even though the pain subsides, we do not take the time to rest, recharge, and prepare ourselves for what lies ahead – another headache, possibly one worse than before.

This is how we sometimes react to the pain we feel when we know we have encountered evil. Oftentimes we are in shock, something normal for our earthly bodies.

I have one question: what should we do when we encounter evil?

1. We should do all we can do to remain blameless; it is what shields us from false accusers. In this wicked world, sin is inevitable, but it is how we respond is what matters. When we allow God to sanctify us, we learn to see when we sin. We must be able to see when we sin because confession from the heart and turning from those ways is what will make us blameless.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV) tells us,

May God himself, the God of peace sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. We must learn that the only power that evil has over us is what we give it. The devil gets to us by tempting us to sin. We need to learn to quickly know when we are tempted, because the devil stands before our Father daily seeking to accuse us. When we are right with God, we have the power and authority to command evil to leave us, in Jesus Name. Evil must leave us. So when you are tempted to sin or you have a nightmare, first check yourselves to see if you are, indeed, blameless, takr that sin to God, and you tell that devil to leave you. By the laws of God, the devil does not have the right to enter your dwelling, or your dreams, for that matter, unless you have invited him through unconfessed sin. Even do as Job did and ask God to forgive your children, or anyone else that lives with you, for God to forgive them. Then seal your home with a hedge of protection around your dwelling and each member of your family.

1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV) tells us,

“For who has known the mind of the Lord that we may instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

When we allow God to sanctify us, casting all sin aside, we have the mind of Christ.

Jesus was able to resist the devil when tempted in the desert (Luke 4:1-13), and he was blameless before men, even until death. If we have the mind of Christ, we can stand.

3. One more thing that we must remember. Matthew 5:7 (NIV) tells us,

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

And also, Matthew 9:12 (NIV),

On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

We must have mercy on those who have committed evil against us. We must pray for them. We should remember that they too were created in the image of God, and they too need deliverance from the devils grip. Pray for their deliverance with the mind of Christ.

All of these things is what will help you to remain victorious in these days of evil. But do not forget that as we continue our journey here on earth, we must continuously seek the Will of our Heavenly Father. We must listen and do what He says. But also remember this: if what is in your heart and mind goes against st the ways of Christ, the devil might be tempting you. We must always seek confirmation before acting. And know that the devil is not winning. When we step into our authority in Christ, nothing should cause you to fall.

And finally, remember that as children of the Most High God, we are no longer citizens of the world but now citizens of Heaven. When we remember that we are citizens of Heaven, we can remember what our rights truly are.

Go forth and be blessed my friend.