Don’t Be Surprised

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 
1 John 5:19 (ESV)

When the forecast says a hurricane is headed for the coast, nobody who lives there is shocked when the wind starts to howl. They board up the windows, fill the bathtub, and stock the pantry. Knowing what’s coming doesn’t stop the storm, but it keeps you from panicking.

In today's verse, the Apostle John gives you that kind of forecast about the world. If you don’t understand why there is so much evil, death, and destruction on the earth, the evening news can leave you feeling helpless and in despair. John tells you exactly why. “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19, ESV)

That word “lies” is more important than you might expect. In the Greek, it pictures someone lying limp and helpless in another’s grip. So when you look at the world morally, culturally, ethically, spiritually, and politically, you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s going to hell in a handbasket.

It is hard to believe how low the world has sunk in just the last 10, 20, 30 years. But, humanly speaking, the world isn’t calling the shots. Satan is calling the shots. This world is not under the power of communism, atheism, humanism, socialism, or naturalism. It’s under the power of Satan.

But listen to what Jesus says next. “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out” (John 12:31, ESV). Satan’s time is limited. God knows why the world is as it is, and He has already made plans to redeem it, restore it, and bring His kingdom.

When you know something ahead of time, you can prepare. Tomorrow morning, before you look through headlines about another shooting, scandal, or war, read John 12:31 out loud. When a story makes your stomach drop, pray, “Lord, I’m not surprised. Satan is running this world for now, but You’ve already judged him. Show me where to shine today.” Then do one kind and generous thing for someone in your path.

Don’t be surprised by how low this world can go. You know who runs it for now, and you know who wins it in the end.

Prayer: Father, I confess the news gets to me more than Your Word does some days. Remind me that nothing surprises You and that Satan’s days are numbered. Thank You that You have overcome the world. Keep me from despair and use me to push back the darkness today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.