Who's In Control?

1 John 5:19 We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one.   
 
HOW wonderful to know we are children of God! But does it bother you that the whole world is under the control of the evil one? How is this true when the creator LORD God Almighty is sovereign?
   There are several places in Scripture that speak of the devil’s authority in the world. He is called the god of this age (2 Corinthians 4:4a) the powers of this world (Ephesians 6:12) the ruler of the kingdom of the air (Ephesians 2:2b) And Jesus called him “Prince of this world.” (John 14:30) The King of kings recognized the devil is a prince of the world. A prince has power from the king. How does the evil one have this level of authority over mankind? Isn’t it God’s will to destroy him?
   Yes, God will destroy Satan at the time the Father has ordained. In the meantime, God’s will is to allow the devil to have some authority over the world. We can’t fully understand this, but Scripture does tell us there are times when God uses evil to test his people.
   There is an interesting passage that may help us know some of God’s purpose. In Judges Israel has not fully conquered the Promised Land. Some enemies remained. Why? God permitted them to remain. “I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations Joshua left when he died. I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the Lord and walk in it as their forefathers did.” (Judges 2:21-22) The LORD tested Israel’s faithfulness. Would they obey his commands? They did not. And when they sinned from generation to generation, God sent to Israel a “savior” – a judge – who led them to victory against their enemies. He made a way for his people to be his people in Israel.
   Satan’s power in the world began under God’s permission when God tested the first couple. Would they obey his commands? They did not. Their sin opened mankind’s heart to the devil’s power to influence people to spiritual death. In his will, God has allowed Satan to remain with granted authority in the world.
   Are you God’s child? Then rejoice God has sent his Savior to defeat the enemy, to be the way for the people of the world to be his people. Around the globe God has quickened mankind’s hearts to confess Jesus is the risen Savior. We are children of God because it is God’s will to make us his children. The Spirit has given birth to our spirits. He commanded, “Be born again.” in the same way he said, “Let there be light.” There is no force that can stop God’s will from becoming reality. You are alive forevermore under his rule.
   Children of God, be very careful of the devil’s authority. A prince can be very attractive to the unsuspecting heart. Be aware he pursues you. He wants you to disobey the Father to disrupt God’s house. Keep your heart and mind on the King.