Understanding Spiritual Struggles in Everyday Life
Have you ever felt distant from what’s good, or noticed how easy it is for people to get caught up in doubt, conflict, and division? The Bible talks a lot about why this happens, and the message is simple enough for anyone to understand.
What Is an “Evil Heart of Unbelief”?
The phrase “evil heart of unbelief” comes from the Bible (Hebrews 3:12-13) and describes a heart that’s become closed off, stubborn, and unwilling to trust in God. It’s not just about doubting once in a while—it’s about a pattern of pushing away what’s true and good, and turning your back on faith.
How Does This Happen?
· Rejecting What’s True: When someone refuses to believe in God’s promises or the wisdom found in His word, it’s like closing the door to hope and guidance.
· Drifting Away: Little by little, doubt can grow. Instead of trusting, a person starts to pull away from God and all the good things that come from faith.
· Sin’s Sneaky Influence: Sin isn’t always obvious. It can look appealing, even harmless. But over time, it can trick us and make us harder, less open, and less loving. One wrong step makes the next one easier, and soon the heart is just… closed off.
What’s the Result?
The Bible gives examples, like the Israelites who left Egypt. Although they saw incredible miracles, their hearts became hard, and they refused to trust God. Because of this, they missed out on the blessings waiting for them. It’s a warning: if we keep turning away from what’s right and good, we risk losing peace, joy, and the chance to truly rest in God’s promises.
Satan’s Goal vs. God’s Plan: Division and Unity
There’s a bigger picture, too. The spiritual “tug-of-war” happening in the world isn’t just about individuals—it affects everyone.
· God’s Dream for Us: From the beginning, God wanted people to live together in harmony. It doesn’t matter what language you speak, where you’re from, or what you look like. We’re all part of the same human family.
· Satan’s Tricks: Satan loves division. If he can get people to fight, distrust, or look down on each other, it breaks the unity God wants for us. Things like racism, pride, and hatred are tools the enemy uses to tear us apart.
Why Does Division Matter?
When people are divided, they’re distracted from what’s truly important. They miss out on the peace and love God offers. History is full of painful stories about division—wars, prejudice, injustice. But the Bible calls us to push back against these things and choose unity instead.
What About the End Times?
You might hear people talk about “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:7, Luke 21:10). The Bible says these troubles are signs that the world is in need of God’s rescue. But instead of being afraid, Jesus taught his followers to stay strong, keep doing good, and stick close to God—no matter how tough things get.
So, What Should We Do?
· Know We’re All Connected: Remember, everyone comes from the same Creator. No one is better than anyone else.
· Choose Love and Respect: Treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and fairness—even when it’s hard.
· Resist Division: Don’t fall for ideas that pit you against others. Refuse to give in to hate or pride.
· Help Each Other: We all need support. Even the strongest have weak moments, and even those who seem lowest deserve care.
· Pray for Wisdom and Peace: Ask for help to see clearly, to stay strong, and to live in unity.
The Big Takeaway
In simple terms: God wants us united; Satan wants us divided. An unbelieving or hardened heart doesn’t just hurt your own spiritual journey—it can also feed the kind of division that makes the world a harsher place. Every time you choose trust, kindness, and understanding, you’re standing up for God’s plan and making the world a better, more loving place.
So let’s stay alert, encourage one another, and build each other up. When we do, we push back against unbelief and division, and move closer to the peace and unity God always intended for all of us.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 