Several years ago, when the Soviet Union’s communist regime collapsed and the Berlin Wall came down, people stirred with hope and anticipation that the world was about to enter a new springtime of peace. They believed that once ideologies were dismantled, a happier and more harmonious future would unfold like never before.

However, as we witness the many sources of fear shaking the world today, we come to realize that the power of Satan has drawn closer to us than ever before, now appearing in new and unexpected forms.

Take Japan, for example. Before the nightmare of the Kobe earthquake—where over 5,000 people lost their lives—had even faded from memory, the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack (March 20, 1995), linked to the Aum Shinrikyo cult, and various other gas-related incidents drove the Japanese people into terror. Meanwhile, in the United States, before the shock of the underground bombing of the World Trade Center in Manhattan (February 26, 1993) had fully subsided, a devastating car bombing struck the federal building in the quiet heartland city of Oklahoma City (April 19, 1995).

Watching the news, where dozens of victims—especially innocent children who had been playing joyfully in a daycare center within the government building—were pulled out bloodied by rescue workers, broke our hearts. Regardless of how many casualties may still be reported, the horrifying sight of a peaceful city turned into a battlefield was simply unbelievable.

In the past, ideological and political conflicts were often confined to military borders and clear-cut national boundaries. But now, we are living in a time when people fueled by racial or religious hatred can turn any place in the world into a war zone at will. There seems to be no longer any place on earth that can be called safe.

Beyond the wars and terrorism between nations and ethnic groups, individuals are now using computers to steal or destroy corporate and government secrets. Some withdraw money illegally through others’ bank accounts, and computer pornography has begun corrupting the minds of our youth. There is no longer a sacred corner in this world untouched by the forces of evil.

Science, chemistry, and biology—all developed by humanity—may seem to have contributed to our progress, but when hijacked by the forces of Satan (the spirit of deception), they are used to drag humanity into chaos and ruin. These evil forces provoke conflict and confusion, laughing as people cry out in fear and agony.

Each time people encounter such shocking news, they are often overcome by helplessness and despair. And at times, they complain, “Why does God allow all this? Why does He leave humanity to suffer?” But we must be alert and recognize this important truth: such complaints are themselves one of Satan’s strategies, designed to make us stumble before God and destroy our love and trust in Him.

In the face of such suffering, war, and terror, it is all the more vital that we get down on our knees and earnestly pray—for strength and courage to entrust this generation and the next entirely to God.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”
(1 Peter 5:8–9)

No matter how wildly Satan rages, there is one thing he fears the most: people kneeling before God. No matter what destructive power or fearful tactics he deploys, he cannot withstand the strength of a single soul kneeling before God.

Though predictions abound that future terrorists may use even more powerful nuclear or biochemical weapons, what we must do now is stand on God’s side and actively participate in the calling He has given us.

The moment we step off the firm ground of God’s presence or leave the shelter of His wings, Satan will rain down fiery arrows of attack without mercy.

Since the beginning of creation, the evil acts of those who have turned away from God have roared as if they had conquered the world. But those powers have always missed their mark, and history has always moved forward by God’s victory.

Now is the time to light the fire in our hearts and willingly take part in His victorious work. As we go before God, offering up our confusion, fear, and sorrow in prayer, the Lord—who came as the Prince of Peace—will not turn away from the innocent lives perishing without reason.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?…
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
(Psalm 27:1, 13–14)

Through David’s psalms, God comforts us.

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