Calmed by God’s Wisdom

Our Sunday was such a blessing that I’ve braced myself for an attack from the devil. He didn’t do anything much yesterday, but the world news this morning put me in a slump. The fires in CA are to worsen, hitting the areas where we once lived and have friends. My prayers feel like a drop in an ocean of need. The devil’s attack on my emotions is a pittance compared to what these people are going through.

The Lord brings powerful thoughts from Charnock’s book, and even though the dangers remain, God also remains. Charnock reminds me that Satan’s intentions can be what they will, even seem to be working, but God is able to outwit him in his strategies, baffle him in his plans and even use him as an instrument for the good of His people even though this evil entity designs nothing but lies, hurt and destruction.

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment. (2 Peter 2:9)

As I wonder why God does not move now, Charnock also reminds me that in denials or delays of answers of prayer, God is gracious to hear; but He is wise to answer in an acceptable time, and help us at the right time. We want things now, like rain, no wind, great power in the fire fighters efforts, but do any of us really know what to ask for or the timing of it?

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26)

Not only is God's timing perfect, but in all evils threatened to so many people by this enemy and in these fires, God knows and has wisdom concerning anyone or anything that looks as if it or they can outsmart Him. “He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.” (Job 5:13)

I’m also reminded that God defeated the serpent in the first net he laid and “brought a glorious salvation out of hell’s rubbish.” He is just as skillful to disappoint the after-game of the devil’s helpers, the policies of hell, and the subtlety of the world, because… “The wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’ ” (1 Corinthians 3:19) The Word of God also says this:

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” (Psalm 2:2–6)
No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord. (Proverbs 21:30)
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! (Romans 11:33)

The gospel itself is a declaration of God’s power over Satan and all things. The Son of God bowed down to death upon a cross for the satisfaction of justice and rose triumphantly out of the grave to declare God’s justice was satisfied! Then Jesus was exalted to heaven to intercede for us; and will return into the world to receive us, and invest us with a glory forever with Himself! This overrules all powers, even that of a raging fire. “To the only wise God be glory through Jesus Christ, for ever!”

PRAY: You gave me Scripture that I might know You, learn patience as I yield to Your will, be comforted and live in hope, no matter what is going on in my life or in the world. I pray for thousands who suffer to know the same — and soon — yet trust You because Your wisdom is far greater than mine. You will take care of Your people.