From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Many people actually do blame God for our state of affairs. Political parties blame each other. No one, of course, blames the deceiver himself. Why? Because Satan cleverly performs his devious acts through mankind. He dances and drinks in the adulation of his worshippers as he glimmers and shimmers, displaying all that glitters and all that attracts the shallowness of man. Then suddenly the stinging whip wraps them around the waist; they fall to the ground. The deceiver reigns victorious—for a moment—as other followers, aghast and bewildered, blame God for their plight.

The Bible teaches that Satan is actually “the prince of this world” (John 12:31, NIV) and “the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:2, NIV). As long as he is still roaming the earth, in constant conflict with God and pursuing his deadly plan, evil will remain.

But Jesus in His all-knowing will has declared, “Take heed that no one deceives you. … See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass” (Matthew 24:4, 6). If the human race would turn from its evil ways and return to God, putting behind its sins, He would deliver us from evil. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Christians must lead the way.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

Have you made a decision to follow Christ? Pray now.