Call for Backup!

Those who believe that humankind is basically good have more faith than I do. Because as you look at our culture, you will see that we live in a violent and wicked world. And it gets worse all the time.

What is the power behind all of it? It’s the devil. He is alive and well, and we should not underestimate him. He is a skillful and sly foe, and He has had many years of experience in dealing with humanity.

The Bible tells us that the devil was once a high-ranking angelic being. He is still an angelic being, but he is a fallen one—with considerable power.

Referring to this in his classic hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” Martin Luther wrote, “For still our ancient foe / doth seek to work us woe— / His craft and pow’r are great / And, armed with cruel hate, / On earth is not his equal.” And that is so true.

After I became a Christian, a lot of things started making sense, because I not only discovered there was a God who loved me and had a plan for me, but I also realized there was a devil who was responsible for all of the evil and the sin in the world today.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, explained how to fight this spiritual battle: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). When soldiers are overwhelmed in battle, they call for backup. In the same way, we need God’s help. We can’t wage war on our own. But we can be strong in the Lord.