Faith in Action by Andrea Marino

I believe God’s people are not to be submissive in the face of evil. In righteous anger, Jesus overturned tables in front of the Synagogue, confronting those who were robbing people not only of money but of the truth as to who His Father is. We are to be a people of prayer, first and foremost, but that does not release us from taking a stand against the reality of evil attempting to overtake the very teachings of God.

As natural as it comes to do things our way when in battle, we do best to go by the Lord’s commands, remembering all battles belong to Him. Still, God works through His people to accomplish great things–even to use a mere slingshot and stone. Too often I hear good Christian people urging others to just ‘move on’ when life does not go the way it should, when it really appears the evil has won. I can’t accept the wrongdoings that are in fact horrors being committed on human beings, lives that God created. I don’t agree with ‘chalking up’ these horrors to “politics as usual” and I believe there are actions we can take to fight the good fight against the Luciferian spirit operating in our world. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

There is an occasion for every activity under heaven, a time for peace, and a time for war (Ecclesiastes 3:8). The Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land through many battles. God gave His people “rules” for war, which included a peaceful invitation to join this nation of people. (Deuteronomy 20) Strategies were also given, such as marching around a city for six days, on the seventh, blasting a ram’s-horn for walls to come tumbling down. The victory followed obedience. Joshua, Chapter 7, describes the initial defeat of the land of Ai for not doing as He commanded. Apart from God, man can do virtually nothing worthwhile. (John 15:5) This is one fact all Christians must come to embrace.

Although King Saul was hunting down David to take his life, David did not seek revenge and did not kill Saul when the opportunity arose. Instead, David cut off a piece of Saul’s robe. In a second chance to kill Saul, who had fallen into a deep sleep along with his army, (a slumber, orchestrated by the Lord), again, David did not kill Saul, taking only the sword by Saul’s head. What I find intriguing is, the first time Saul realized David had spared his life, he wept aloud, admitting to David that he was more righteous than himself. The second time David spared Saul’s life, Saul confessed sin in an understanding that his life was precious. (1 Samuel 24:11,16-18, 26:21) Doesn’t God want all people to know that He values them and that their life possesses worth? It is amazing how miracles happen through our acts of obedience to the Lord, how combined with the mercy and love of God, first shown to us, there is a real catalyst for changing the heart.

So, how are the people of God to respond to evil, when the devil parades around in plain sight these days? While we all play a part in God’s story, we should ask Him to reveal our gifts and talents and how to use them. Everything we do should be for His glory. Maintaining peace when in battle displays faith. I think the words spoken by David to Saul are inspiring when in the throes of all we cannot control. “May the Lord judge between you and me and may the Lord take vengeance on you for me, but my hand will never be against you.” (1 Samuel 24:12 HCSB)

Reading David’s interactions with Saul led me to confess my attitude regarding flesh and blood enemies. I struggle with those in power, running roughshod over people of faith and godly values. I struggle with the injustice of deception even the lost are living under. Since its beginning, the Kingdom of God has suffered violence and men have taken it by force. (Matthew 11:12) How to love the sinner and hate the sin is the question. Anger has such potential to root bitterness in a heart. Bitterness only grows into hate, which always destroys, robbing us of joy. Ephesians 4:26 (NIV) says, “In your anger do not sin.” There is such a thing as righteous anger. Proverbs 8:13 (CSB) states, “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” So, we are to hate evil, as God defines evil.

These battles we face today are more connected to our total trust in God to work out everything for good to those who love Him and are called to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) The lost need to see more than what is meeting their eyes. These have never been nearer to the wrath of God coming upon the whole earth as they are now. The Gospel is the power to set all men free. (Romans 1:16)

The final battle will be fought by none other than the King of kings and the Lord of lords. “Then I (John) saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and He judges and makes war in righteousness…… He wore a robe stained with blood and His name is the Word of God…. A sharp sword came from His mouth, so that He might strike the nations with it.” (Revelation 19:11-17 HCSB)

With a yearning to uncover the secret to life, Andrea embarked on a journey to discover truth. The study of Psychology proved inadequate, while the forces of darkness began to make their presence known. The Hobble, from Ai to Bethel encompasses Andrea’s personal victory over fear and bondage to the enemy. Passionate in sharing God’s Good News about Jesus, the author desires to encourage people to never lose hope. Because we all ‘hobble’ before God in need of Him. When not writing, Andrea loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoys cycling on the open roads with her husband, David.

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