Scripture: Revelation 20:1–3

“He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.”

Revelation 20 begins with a remarkable picture of God’s authority. Satan—the deceiver, the accuser, the enemy of God’s people—is seized, bound, and confined. John does not describe some cosmic struggle in which God barely manages to overcome His enemy. An angel simply carries out God’s command.

Pastor Ted emphasized the significance of that picture: Satan is a created being, and he can do only what God permits. The chain that binds him is not a human chain. It is a chain established by God. Evil may be real, powerful, and destructive, but it is never sovereign. God is.

That matters when we look at the world around us. There are times when evil seems to have the upper hand. We may wonder why God allows certain things to happen or why He doesn't simply stop evil altogether. Revelation reminds us that God has not surrendered His authority. His purposes are unfolding even when we cannot see the whole picture.

We don't have to live in fear of evil. We live under the authority of the One who will ultimately defeat it completely.

The question for us is not, “Is God powerful enough?” He is.

The question is, “Will I trust Him?”

Today’s thought:
 Evil is not in control. God is. Trust Him even when you cannot understand what He is doing.