SAFE FROM THE EVIL ONE

“I’m not asking you
to take them out of the world,
but to keep them safe
from the evil one.”
John 17:15 NLT
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Later in this prayer for the twelve, Jesus added, “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” That means you and I are covered by this prayer.

When we pray for safety, it’s normally about things like – accidents – violent weather – terrorists – diseases – or anything else that threatens us or our property. Our physical well being is a natural concern when we are in danger. I am sure we would be amazed if we knew how often the Lord has protected us against accidents or illness, and all sorts of physical harm. But living in this world, we get sick and bodily harm comes to us like it does to everyone else.

When Jesus prayed that we might be kept safe from the evil one, his main concern was not our physical safety and comfort, but rather our spiritual welfare. His prayer is that we will remain faithful to him, and become more like him. When various misfortunes come crashing into our lives, the evil one whispers thoughts of doubt – fear – self-pity into our ears, telling us “God doesn’t love you. If he loved you, he wouldn’t allow things like this to happen to you.”

The troubles God allows into our lives are always for a good reason as James tells us, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” (It takes God’s grace to see “troubles” in that light.) “For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

The enemy of our soul is waiting to use every misfortune of life to do us spiritual harm. We are so blessed by Jesus’ prayer for our safety from the evil one, not only does it shield us against Satan’s intended harm, but actually makes misfortune a means by which we can grow in character, and in the likeness of Jesus!!