Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.–Romans 12:21
How would you like to show up for your baseball game this summer, thinking you were playing the 9th grade team from across the county, and when you get to the game you realize you are facing CC Sabathia and the New York Yankees? I imagine that would be pretty tough. It always pays to know your opponent. However, our earthly opponent does not play fair.
God’s Word tells us about our opponent in life: the prince of darkness—Satan. In 1 Peter, he is described as a roaring lion seeking to devour. Ephesians tells us we are in a spiritual battle for our lives. Today’s verse teaches us we are not to be conquered by evil, and that we need to fight. Too many people try to fight through their own power and strength. To put it into perspective: Satan=evil and God=good.
So how do you conquer evil? You fight him with good, and good is always God! When God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31). Never overlook your opponents on the field or off the field. Trust me, Satan is always at work to take you down. However, God is always at work to lift you up (Psalm 121:1-3). So I hope you never have to face the Yankees as a freshman, but when you do face an opponent you are not prepared for, know that your teammate, Jesus Christ, will go to battle with you and for you. Never forget that God is good and only does good. Take comfort in that today.
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1. Have you ever faced an opponent you were not prepared to compete against? What was the outcome?
2. What spiritual battles are you facing in your life? How are you competing against them?
3. Daily, how can you change your attitude to battle Satan with God’s help?
Ephesians 6:12; James 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:8
Lord, thank You for looking out for me. Give me strength when I am faced with a physical or spiritual battle. Thank You for keeping me from being conquered by evil and for always being good. Amen.