Avoid dividing the world into “us” and “them.” If you do, you will harden your heart. There are not two worlds, one in God’s hands and the other one not. There are not two species of people, one totally under God’s rule and the other completely outside of it. No devil can do what he wants, no wicked power or principality can act on its own. Even the evil one is in darkness because of God’s
will (1 Pet. 3:18–19).

Carry this knowledge in your heart as a witness to the lordship of Christ. Boldly proclaim to every devilish spirit, to every demonic stronghold, “You are under God. You cannot make a single move without God. We are all under God!” (Col. 2:10).

Let this live in your heart. Don’t allow a speck of space in your heart for grumbling about how bad the world is, or you will lose sight of the victory of God. And don’t ever condemn the godless or unbelievers (1 Cor. 5:9–11). That is not your business. In fact, don’t even think of people as unbelieving – they are not unbelieving, only tormented. They cannot open their own eyes, they are drunk with their misery, saturated with distress, and can’t see the stars for the roof. All the more you must witness to the truth that God is God and there is no other, and that he offers hope to everyone.

This does not mean that sin and evil will not be judged (2 Thess. 1:5–10). But the hour of judgment is God’s concern alone. Until that time, your duty is to make known the name of Jesus to any and every person. Believe in Jesus’ victory, holding out the possibility of redemption to everyone (1 John 2:1–2). Proclaim: “You will be saved, for you belong to Jesus. God’s will is that no one, including you, be lost, but that everyone repent and live.”

Not everyone will grasp this, nor is it necessary. People don’t have to be “converted” to our Christianity. But in the long run, millions must be transferred to the rule of God, to the lordship of Christ. They must go in even though they yell and howl. Haven’t we all at one time or another kicked and screamed?

If you or I should have to give up hope for any person, any country, any domain, or any situation, then Jesus is not the one who holds the universe together. There would still remain the burden of death, of travail, a load of night and darkness. Then Jesus is not the light of the world. His is not a cosmic cross that brings everything back together (Col. 1:15–20). He is not, finally, victorious. For what else can Jesus’ resurrection mean but eternal hope for all he holds together?

Therefore, never fear the devil, for there is no master greater than Jesus. Not even in the deepest depths or blackest night can one escape from yielding to him. All things are God’s because Christ is all in all (Col. 3:11).