This post was last updated on May 8, 2026

Day 35 (Year 2)

Do You Choose Good or Evil?  

“From the wicked their light is withheld, And the uplifted arm is broken.” (Job 38:15 NASB)

Why do those who disobey God still seem to have happiness? According to the above scripture, it is because they have an “uplifted arm.” Yet in darkness, the arm of the wicked will be broken, and this is their destiny. The word “broken” suggests a sudden or unexpected fading of strength. The power of the wicked is temporary. Thus, believers must have a heart inclined toward goodness, surrender our own evil, and seek what is good in God’s eyes, to turn away from spiritual darkness to light.

Some may object: Do not the wicked sometimes speak truths that are correct or useful? Why then does the verse say, “From the wicked their light is withheld”? It is because the wicked often appropriate certain truths that belong to God and apply them to worldly matters, yet they overstep and usurp the place of God. Of course, the wicked are not totally without strengths. Jesus once remarked that the sons of this world are shrewder in dealing with worldly affairs than the sons of light (Luke 16:8). Therefore, believers may learn certain things from the wicked under God’s guidance. Nevertheless, because the wicked violate God’s words and spurn His will, they will ultimately reap calamity.

In this world, good people inevitably confront wicked people with “uplifted arms.” We may feel powerless, crushed, despairing, fearful, or discouraged. Yet this is precisely when we must resolve to get rid of spiritual darkness. Those who seek to depart from darkness may even face fiercer attacks. At such times, in addition to discerning wisdom from foolishness, we need to ask God for help in several ways. First, we who pursue goodness must believe that evil cannot ultimately triumph over righteousness. The prevailing evil is only temporary. Second, we who pursue goodness must not abandon God’s truth, for it is the only way to have final victory in Christ. When the wicked seem to prevail, people may think that irrational force or distortion is more powerful. But such thinking forgets that God has an appointed time to call sin to account. Third, we who pursue goodness must cultivate steadfast willpower and refuse to let evil corrupt our conscience. Fourth, seize every opportunity to overcome evil with good, demonstrating to ourselves and others the powerful goodness that comes from God. Fifth, connect with all who pursue goodness, not confined to fellow believers, encouraging and supporting one another, strengthening the forces of good under God, and preparing to stand against and overcome arrogant and wicked powers in Jesus name.

Reflection questions:  

1) Do you believe your resolve toward godly goodness is firm enough, and that you can rely on God to overcome all arrogant evil? If so, in what ways do you mainly rely on?  

2) Can you discern certain strengths in wicked people while rejecting their disregard for God? If so, what are the examples?