And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel (1 Chronicles 21:1).
The Bible shows how evil spirits influence men to do wrong. One of such instances is what we read about David in our theme verse. Imagine David, a righteous king, was moved by Satan to number Israel against God’s will. As a result, God took actions against Israel.
There’s another incident recorded for us in the gospels. When Jesus made it clear to His disciples that it was necessary for Him to die on account of our sins and be raised back to life for our justification, Peter took Him aside and began to “rebuke” Him, saying, “God forbid, Lord! This must never happen to you; you’re not going to die” (Matthew 16:22).
Jesus, right away, identified that it was Satan speaking through Peter, and the Bible says “…he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men” (Matthew 16:23). So, even good men can be moved by Satan to do or say the wrong things. That’s why God wants us to know the truth; know His Word. When you know the truth, you can walk in the light of it. You’ll know how to pray, and how to put a stop to Satan’s works and influences around you.
Learn to pray for all nations of men, leaders and those in authority as admonished in 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Boldly declare by the Spirit that the will, plans and purposes of God be established in and around you, in the hearts of leaders in your community, city, town, nation and in the organisation where you work. Pray that they refuse to yield to negative influences that could stir them to wickedness; rather, they rule with justice and equity, righteousness and truth. Amen.
CONFESSION
Dear Father, I pray for leaders in my country, that they’d use their positions and authority to favour your righteous cause, that the Gospel may spread speedily and unhindered. I pray your blessings of peace and prosperity upon the nations, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
