What Works and What Doesn’t Work Against the Forces of Evil
Over time we tend to become practical people. We start to know what works and what doesn’t in our jobs and families and personal relationships. We only have so much energy to expend, so we try to invest it where there’s a good chance of it being a worthwhile investment.
Battling the evil forces of the devil all around us is most certainly a good use of our time. What works against such powerful enemies? Jesus’ healing of a boy possessed by an impure spirit (Mark 9:14-29) gives us insight.
The father of the boy brought him to Jesus in a desperate state. Possession by an evil spirit, convulsions, foaming at the mouth, and rolling on the ground had been part of his life since childhood, and no one could do anything about it. When the man and his son arrived, Jesus was not present, so his disciples tried to take on the task. And that is where we see what works and what doesn’t work.
The father comments to Jesus on the disciples’ attempt: “I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.” (9:18) With Jesus it was very different: “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” (v.25) … Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. (v.26)
So what went wrong the first time? . . . .
Jesus had given the Twelve the ability to drive out evil spirits in one of their earlier missions (Mark 6:7,13). It becomes clear that this time they did not go out with the Lord’s command, or ask for his power (see the reference to prayer in 9:29).
Even if we are believers, we need strengthening in our faith to continually realize that it is God’s power and not our own.
The Psalmist writes,
6 I put no trust in my bow,
my sword does not bring me victory;
7 but you give us victory over our enemies …. (Psalm 44:6-7)
Our eternal salvation is God’s work in Christ, not ours. And so it is with everything in the spiritual struggles we face. Don’t face evil alone with only your resources and wisdom and might. Look to the Lord, ask for his strength, and trust in his victory over the devil!