SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1075

“The Day of Evil”

Thou art my hope in the day of evil. – Jeremiah 17:17

I write this from a campground in west central Georgia. I have evacuated my home in Florida ahead of Hurricane Dorian. As I drove the several hundred miles fleeing the impending storm I was reminded of God’s Word that admonishes us to flee evil.

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. – 2 Timothy 2:22

We have not yet fully recovered from the damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma two years ago and I was tempted to lose hope as Dorian gathered strength and took aim for Florida. Whether it is the evil of a hurricane or the temptation to sin, God remains faithful and will provide a way of escape.

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. -1 Corinthians 10:13

The Lord provided the way of escape for us and we were able to reserve the last campsite available at my chosen location to flee to. He provided favor with our employers allowing us the time to escape the storm. He is truly our hope in the day of evil.

The times we live in are evil. Our society celebrates full term murder of babies and is methodically attacking all Judeo-Christian moral values, indoctrinating our children in schools with all that God’s Word declares to be an abomination to Him. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions… 2 Timothy 4:3

Living in Florida, we have to be prepared for hurricanes. Our house is boarded up and secured as best it can be to withstand the winds. We also must be dressed ready for spiritual battle every day.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13

Some people foolishly fail to prepare for devastating hurricanes. Some even plan to party in the midst of the evil day. This same mentality applies to those who live for today and refuse to repent and accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. God calls these people fools and unwise.

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

Whether it is Cat 4 hurricanes or the temptation to sin, God is our hope in the day of evil.

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father; But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. – Galatians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 3:3