“Thou shalt not see evil any more” (Zeph. 3:15).
Here the Lord assures us of total deliverance and complete freedom from whatever it is that is pressuring us. One translation of this verse reads:”…You shall see disaster no more.” Another states: “…Never again will you fear any harm.” A third declares: “…You shall have no more trouble.”
It has been an interesting experience as I have shared this verse and others similar to it with audiences around the country. Reactions have ranged from general hesitancy to outright disbelief.
Many Christians have told me: “Yes, that verse is in the Bible and I believe it is true for many people. But my experience has proven otherwise! Despite what it says, my life is still filled with all kinds of problems. God has promised that we will not see evil any more, but in my case, that promise is simply not true.”
We must not judge God’s Word by our experience. Rather, we must take the promises of God not as theoretical ideals beyond our grasp, but as living realities which are ours in Christ.
We must appropriate them to our own case by quoting them as our declarations of faith: “Once I was in darkness, but now I walk in light. Once I was weak, but now I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Once I was in want, now God supplies all my needs. Once I was sick, now with His stripes I am healed. Once I was a victim, now I’m more than a conqueror.”
This verse expresses a passing from death to life. It allows us to proclaim: “Because of what Jesus has done for me on Calvary, I shall not see evil any more!”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.