The Wicked Don’t Prevail
Recently, I was speaking with fellow Saints on separate occasions. In both conversations, there was a recurring theme - we noticed that on the surface, people who are wicked and perverse seemingly always win. They are the ones with the accolades, wealth, influence, etc. I cannot lie, to you all, at one point, I too believed this lie of the enemy. I often have to remind myself that it’s not true: the wicked don’t actually prevail. How do I know? It’s in scripture:
Take a few minutes to read Psalms Chapters 73-75.
We just read that the Psalmists Asaph struggled with this thought as well. In scripture, it says that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9), so we know that even in Biblical days, it appeared that the wicked people of those times were just as successful as the wicked people in contemporary time. Beloved, don’t believe the hype!
Even if we never see it on earth, we know that the wicked do not prevail because if they do not change their ways, this life is the BEST they will ever have it. Think about that. Earth, with all the pains and struggles we go through on this side of eternity, will be the best those who are wicked will have it? Yikes. Don’t let that be you. If you read, Hell is For Real by Dr. Michael Yeager with Selah, you will know that Hell is very much biblical and the Bible is very clear on who will end up there. Hint hint the wicked will be there and wickedness is not just murderers and rapists. According to scripture, the wicked include:
Revelation 21:8 But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
1 Corinthians 16:22 If anyone does not love the Lord [does not obey and respect and believe in Jesus Christ and His message], he is to be accursed. Maranatha (O our Lord, come)!
James 1:13-17 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” [for temptation does not originate from God, but from our own flaws]; for God cannot be tempted by [what is] evil, and He Himself tempts no one. 14 But each one is tempted when he is dragged away, enticed and baited [to commit sin] by his own [worldly] desire (lust, passion). 15 Then when the illicit desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin has run its course, it gives birth to death. 16 Do not be misled, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].
I have to include this because I have heard people say that ‘God makes people evil’ or that ‘God is not good because there are evil people’. Friends, this scripture lets us know that we are responsible for our own actions and sin doesn’t come from God.
So I caution you, especially as we approach the end of the year, to not compare yourself to anyone, but especially do not compare yourself to those who do not serve the Lord Most High. We just read in scripture that those who do not love the Lord and exude character antithetical to the Lord’s nature will NOT make it in. And ultimately in Psalms, we read that the wicked don’t win because this life is all they have. We at least have the hope of Heaven. So instead of being distracted, turn your eyes toward what God has for YOU:
Ephesians 2:10 10 For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Isaiah 41:10-11 ‘Do not fear [anything], for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, be assured I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand [a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’ “Indeed, all those who are angry with you will be put to shame and humiliated. Those who strive against you will be as nothing and will perish.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 But since we [believers] belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope and confident assurance of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us to [incur His] wrath [that is, He did not select us to condemn us], but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died [willingly] for us, so that whether we are awake (alive) or asleep (dead) [at Christ’s appearing], we will live together with Him [sharing eternal life]. 11 Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.
Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and when He was seated, His [a]disciples came to Him. 2 Then He began to teach them, saying, 3 “Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven[both now and forever]. 4 “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. 5 “Blessed [inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the [b]gentle [the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled], for they will inherit the earth. 6 “Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness[those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied. 7 “Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. 8 “Blessed [anticipating God’s presence, spiritually mature] are the pure in heart [those with integrity, moral courage, and godly character], for they will see God. 9 “Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God’s favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God. 10 “Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for [c]doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever]. 11 “Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of[your association with] Me. 12 Be glad and exceedingly joyful, for your reward in heaven is great [absolutely inexhaustible]; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 19:29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As you strive to remember that the wicked don’t prevail and that you too want to be righteous, reflect on the Lord’s promises to us in scripture. Pray this prayer:
Lord, help me to never turn my eyes away from you. Help me to not be like the wicked and ensure that my best days are on this earth. God, please remind me when I see injustice and evil, that it has not won and that evil does not negate the power of God. But mostly, help me to be the person you created me to be and help my will to ultimately align with the plans you have for my life and ministry. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
John 14:1 Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.