(The following is the November 25 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read 1 John 5 and pay close attention to verses 8-11.)

Dramas usually contain a mixture of morally good and evil characters. As the story unfolds, conflict arises between the sides. We are often unsure how the story will end until the truth comes out and everything falls into place. The end is satisfying if the evildoers are discovered and brought to justice.

Life in our fallen world isn’t always as satisfying. We see evil win battles regularly. We may see more news stories showing humanity’s darker side than encouraging stories. We may despair and wonder if there is any hope for positive change. Is the world lost and rushing in the wrong direction away from God’s design? Consider a few situations where evil may seem to get the upper hand: enforcement of unjust laws or failure to enforce just laws; changes in societal and cultural norms that contradict God’s Word; abusive relationships; and enormous amounts of money funneled into organizations and efforts that work against a spiritually healthy, godly society.

Does God promise that Christians will win every earthly battle with evil? No. But he assures us of ultimate victory: “Everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith. Who is the one who conquers the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (vv. 4-5). Christians must not despair when those opposed to Christ win specific battles around us. We must step back and see the larger picture of a spiritual war that Christ has already won through his death and resurrection. If we belong to him, we share in that victory.

Christians, rejoice that we have victory in Jesus, our Savior, forever. He has conquered the world. Through faith in him, so will we.

Next Step:
Confess to God the times you’ve questioned his victory over evil. Pray for the faith to trust God’s sovereignty and timing in his eternal plan.