Dodging Death

Villains in fiction stories are not real. They are scary only if you allow them to grab hold of your thoughts and emotions; they are just fictional characters brought to life by imaginative people.

Life is not a fictitious narrative, but a “villain” longs to be the lead character, yet unable to override God’s authority in believers. Though he has profound power and ingenuity, our all-powerful God is far greater than he. And Satan knows that although, being a liar and deceiver, he has frightened and held captive many a soul. But believers will not stand idly by: “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony . . .” (Revelation 12:11). When we testify that God supplies salvation (eternal and daily rescuing) and forgiveness of sins by the shed blood of Jesus, yield to God, and resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7). One day our opponent’s story changes when God casts him and his followers into the lake of fire, not to their death but to live in eternal punishment (Revelation 20:10, 15).

Another powerful life opponent is you. When you yield to your old nature taking over your words, actions, and thoughts, you become your life’s story “bad guy.” But you can rid yourself of the villain of “you” with the weapon of repentance by stop going your way—turn around and walk with God again. Repentance is a choice, and you must choose to receive God’s forgiveness.

Although some lives read like horror stories, a good editor can change the poor script and carry the narrative in the right direction. The great Editor-in-Chief—Almighty God—can take a broken life and not only repair but make it brand new for His glory. After forgiveness, regardless of your past, don’t allow either villain to regain a foothold in your life. Prove to the devil and yourself whom you trust and live out that trust.