"Deliver us from the evil one." Matthew 5:13
Christians in many parts of our world suffer for Jesus' sake. Some die, others are imprisoned, or forced to flee from their homes in terror. After being given the choice to either recant their Christian faith in favor of Islam or leave everything they own, they chose to leave. They tell how their places of worship were destroyed and historic sacred relics shattered. Pastors were beheaded, women were taken as sex slaves and children were crucified in a wave of terror ordered by the Islamic State.
The request for deliverance from the evil goes beyond a plea to be saved from Islamic capture and torture. It is a prayer for deliverance from the evil one who has worked through wicked people every century since the crucifixion of Jesus. Our Lord saw the one behind the evil, Satan, the murderer.
It is good to know this prayer is heard today. From His place at the right hand of Father's throne, our ascended Lord intercedes. Some are delivered to fight more battles on earth, others are delivered to enter heaven to receive the victor's crown.
UNTIL THEN: The power of God will operate in answer to the believer's prayer for deliverance from whoever Satan is using to work evil around you and in your world.
May the Lord give you faith right now to appropriate the victory Christ won on the cross. His resurrection is everlasting proof that you are right to pray this prayer, whether you confront evil in your home or face death for Christ elsewhere.
PRAYER: Jesus, you are my Deliverer. The devil cannot hold me captive to evil. I claim your victory and accept your power to deliver me. Whether you rescue me to win more battles for your glory, or release me to rise above the battle field and claim heaven's reward, I belong to you. Your's be the kingdom and glory forever. Amen