When It Comes to the Dark Side, Move Swiftly

[S] Ecclesiastes 8:11 --
¹¹Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.

[O] As the saying goes -- If you can't beat'em, join'em -- if we don't act swiftly against the evil one when we have the opportunity, we will eventually end up joining him. In fact, the moment I think, "I can handle it on my own," I'm almost handing myself in to him because it's the reflection of my pride and arrogance thinking my own power is sufficient to thwart the evil one. We are like sheep which, without a good shepherd, has no chance against the evil one. So without having to lean on God while fully abiding in Him, I am bound to be given fully to do evil. As Joseph who ran away from Potiphar's wife (in Genesis 39:13) to avoid the evil one, we must discern our circumstances and make our move quickly and firmly.

[A] Teach my children to know there are times when they need to act swiftly.

[P] Dear God, our lives are filled with different scenarios for us to respond to and based on this passage I ask that You continue to fill my children's hearts with Your wonderful Words so they would know when they need to act quickly against evil, or otherwise appropriate. Please allow them to have the discernment coming from You at all times. In Jesus' name. Amen.