When God’s people suffer…

“Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal. He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you. In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth. For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. You shall know that your tent is at peace, and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing. You shall know also that your offspring shall be many, and your descendants as the grass of the earth. You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a sheaf gathered up in its season. Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.” (Job 5:17–27)

Job’s friends tried to justify his suffering by telling him that God allowed all his troubles as discipline for wrong-doing, and that those who please Him will live without problems. This is a typical conclusion for many Christians who have never suffered very much. We tend to think that God is blessing us because our good behavior has earned it. Therefore the opposite must be true and we deserve those problems.

It is true that God does bless the lives of those who obey Him, but He also uses trials to make us grow. Trials are not always punishment, as the book of Job reveals in its beginning. Satan said Job would never trust God if God didn’t play nice with Him, therefore God allowed Satan to bring tragedies to this man’s life to prove that faith in Him was more powerful than anything that threatened it.

In other words, some of what we suffer is not chastening or correction. It might be a test, or it might be an attack to win our hearts to the enemy’s lies. In such cases, pretending ‘all is well’ would be a lie. The struggle with those lies reinforced by tragedy upon tragedy is very real. Job didn’t know this was a contest for his affection and trust. All he knew was the pain of his losses and the agony of his body. He refused to be a hypocrite when asked how he was doing by glibly replying “Fine” when his world had fallen apart. He told the truth about his feelings:

Then Job answered and said: “Oh that my vexation were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances! For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. (Job 6:1–4)

Yet in his suffering, his heart knew the truth. Even as he struggled with pain and loss, he was still able to say, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10) Eventually God bailed him out. 

I know a tiny bit of that journey. Some days are simply rotten and I want to die. It might be physical pain or a horrid sense of despair without reason. And I say, “God, if this has purpose for my good and Your glory, so be it. If not, You know what to do.” At that, the situation usually goes away, making it a much condensed version of what happened to Job. And the test to see if I will trust God even in a trial is over, even quickly forgotten.

This is the nature of spiritual war. The battles usually happen right after a vital obedience, yet as He promises, God uses even this stuff for my good. 

Jesus, life with You is an adventure. I have days of struggles, surprises, unexpected events, and test after test. You have blessed me with energy for much of it, long naps when needed, and joy even in the messy parts. Abundant life? Sometimes I want ‘ordinary’ or ‘normal’ but realize that is not the promise that goes with walking with You.

 

Embracing the Pain

Yesterday I wrote about Monday’s battle with unexplained despair, with feeling as if God had abandoned me and would never return. This came after reading how the words of despair expressed by Christians who know better can be blurted out but are not an expression of their hearts. Job called them words of wind, and even though he blurted out to his critical and accusing friends his frustration with the silence of God, he also said:

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. (Job 23:10)

At times an open and honest Christian can sound schizophrenic. The NT describes this in several places as the battle between the old flesh (which is dead to God’s ways) and the Holy Spirit who now lives in our hearts. If the Spirit is filling that person, godliness and truth rule their life and mouth, but sometimes the world and our demonic enemies hit us with some sort of painful thought or event that knock us back into thinking old ways. When that happens, the flesh is ‘shoved’ into old philosophies and lies, the chief one being, “God doesn’t love you” or some variation that contradicts the truth we have received from the Lord.

That was my Monday. Getting kicked in the heart was mostly an internal thing but related to sad news that deeply wounded me. I wanted to escape to heaven where there is no pain. And God was silent.

The other issue, strangely enough, was a challenge to be a story-teller who openly shared struggles and God’s work with others. I knew I had not done this with certain people so decided it was time — but decisions like that often bring on something to make me forget or ignore my determination. This is similar to what happens to pastors after a good sermon on Sunday; Monday becomes the worst day of the week.

But on Tuesday I read more about Job’s words and thought more about the importance of sharing life with others. The Spirit kept telling me that when someone else is in despair, to consider the source. Instead of rebuking their words, toss that idea to the wind and uncover their true beliefs, helping them to speak what is behind their struggle and then say what they really believe. When Monday put me on that other side with a dose of desperation and despair. I realized this was God’s way of showing me how badly others feel when life hands them lemons and the Spirit seems to leave… and I knew He did this to better equip me for doing what He wants me to do.

The story-telling theme hit too. Combining both lessons, I told someone else of my struggles and what I was learning. As soon as I did, the despair lifted. His joy flooded my heart, and the battle was over. I shared that too, not knowing what my listener thought about my ‘story-telling’ but realizing God wanted this transparency. Like Job, words of wind combined with golden truth went far deeper than the awful feelings that had me in a dark hole.
Today, several verses tell me this experience is important:

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

It was a test, not a temptation, even though wanting to die seemed like a real desire. What did God want me to do with that? Share it, not worried what my listener might think about this blatant loss of faith.

Then this:

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:16–22)

“Share also the results…” which can only be done if I obey what I have learned. Tell it to others and do what God says. Checking off a box is not enough. Job didn’t get fully off the flesh stuff until God taught him how little he knew about God’s ways, but eventually he understood and was blessed. For me, joy was a blessing and the rest of the day was blessed too.

PRAY: Years ago, a pastor told me I got tough lessons because I was a tough case. That I understand now more than ever. But You are a persistent Savior for which I am glad. If a 2x4 works better than a kind word, then help me to embrace the pain and learn what is needed to keep on track.

Worship in prayer

Over the last few weeks, the desire to pray has often eluded me. Not that the needs have vanished but that there are so many that I hardly know where to start. Christians have prayer helpers, such as CAST and ACTS that basically stand for confession, adoration, thanksgiving, and supplication. Using them can become mechanical. So can prayer lists. No one brings a list of topics to another expecting a good conversation so I find lists can easily make prayer a ritual rather than what it ought to be.

Oswald Chambers’ devotional for this day says something in the middle that gives me pause:

“Beware of outstripping God by your very longing to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, consequently we get so burdened with persons and with difficulties that we do not worship God, we do not intercede. If once the burden and the pressure come upon us and we are not in the worshiping attitude, it will produce not only hardness toward God but despair in our own souls.”

I’ve noticed this in groups that meet to pray. Burdens and requests are shared, then people jump right into intercession without any of the other components that are vital parts of prayer. No confession can mean that God sees something in me that needs forgiveness and cleansing. How can I expect Him to ‘fix’ the needs I present to Him if I neglect to deal with my own sins?

No thanksgiving? From Roman 1 and experience, I realize that without this, my heart is not fully satisfied with life — or that His will is being done, for which I should be thankful. I could even be blaming God for some lack in my life. My attitude is basically saying that God does not know what is best for me. With that attitude, how can I expect Him to answer prayer?

Chambers’ focus is on worship. Without it, my focus is on me, my needs, the mess in the world and the needs all around me, on the difficulties of life and not on the power of God to not just ‘fix’ them but that He has reasons for allowing them to happen. When I first worship, I remember things about God that affect the way I intercede. For instance:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2–4)

Those experiencing trials just might be in those trials because God is at work to mature them and is not interested in any pleas for comfort. Like Job said, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10)

This tells me to worship the One who uses trouble for good — just like He took the greatest evil, the crucifixion of His Son, and used it for the greatest good. Worship changes the ways I intercede for the sick and suffering.

Worship also remembers that God has made promises. When interceding for others who suffer, I know He can use their suffering to bring them to faith in Christ. While the main news does not report it, thousands of people in the Middle East are turning to Jesus even as their lives are bombarded with bombs — and unfortunately that is all we see or hear rather than knowing God’s grace is at work in the wars. Worship helps me focus on His power, rather than become overburdened by the chaos.

PRAY: Lord, singing worship songs before reading the Bible helps me hear what You say to me. Worship in prayer does the same. Too often I let the clock rush me into asking without focusing on You, the One I am talking to. Forgive my haste. I know You hear and answer prayer despite my failings, but that is only because You are merciful and gracious. I need to begin praying far more often with words that honor and glorify You.

Chastening hurts? Or helps?

 

Yesterday was a delight. God granted great joy and opportunities to encourage others in their faith. I woke early this morning thinking of all that God was teaching me and how I wanted to be useful to Him. He reminded me of this:

But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)

Paul was called to do what he did. I’ve never had a sense of a call, only the ‘next step’ and this has sometimes been a concern. Yet I see now that God has used me as I obey Him, not in an official church position or a ministry with a name attached, but to speak truth. Years of leading Bible studies is part of that. Lately it is just talking with people, three of them yesterday who thanked me, even though I felt it was me who should thank them.

One writer says it is easier to serve God without a vision or a call because common sense can easily replace His requirements. I’ve never felt that I have common sense. I only know that the Father wants me to be like His Son and that has been my goal. He continually lights my darkness and is on my mind. I know what it means to not account my life precious to myself, but I also know the discipline needed from God to think that way and not be concerned about my usefulness, only that I belong to Him and He loves me.

Yet with that love comes what is needed to become what He wants me to be. He uses all things, some pleasing and some that feel like punishment. But God’s idea of punishment is the parental idea of chastening. According to Webster, chastening means “to inflict pain upon anyone in order to purify from errors or faults.” This means:

The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” … For (our fathers) disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. (Hebrews 12:6, 10)

To build my character and transform me, what happens to me is not as important as who I am and what God is trying to make of me, both for now and for eternity.

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17–18)

Affliction seems less harsh if I can focus on the outcome. Another writer illustrates it with the words of a village blacksmith:  

“When I am tempering a piece of steel, I first heat it, hammer it, and then suddenly plunge it into this bucket of cold water. I very soon find whether it will take temper or go to pieces in the process. When I discover after one or two tests that it is not going to allow itself to be tempered, I throw it on the scrap heap and sell it for a cent a pound when the junk man comes around. So I find the Lord tests me, too, by fire and water and heavy blows of His heavy hammer, and if I am not willing to stand the test, or am not going to prove a fit subject for His tempering process, I am afraid He may throw me on the scrap heap.”

Job was more confident, at least at times. He said it this way: “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10)
A poet wrote it this way:

“Things that hurt and things that mar
Shape the man for perfect praise;
Shock and strain and ruin are
Friendlier than the smiling days.”

PRAY: Jesus, I am understanding Your love for me with a much broader perspective. Being “God’s spoiled brat” has brought much enjoyment, but I now see being God’s disciplined child is a far greater joy. Thank You for loving me while still a sinner, but loving me so much that You are not leaving me like that. I’ve never wanted to be on the shelf or in the scrap heap.

Tested . . . again . . .

 

In my early years, I wanted to live in a big house. After moving more than thirty times, I’ve learned to be content wherever I am, or have thought so. This week I joked that if we were supposed to move again, God would have to provide a house.

Then we had a look at the “dream home” for this year’s children’s hospital lottery. It is perfect, even fully furnished and landscaped. I could imagine living in it. It was also weird because I heard the Lord saying, “Do you want this house? I could give it to you.”

At first it seemed that the devil was dangling this idea but knew it was the Holy Spirit speaking. Eventually I realized God was TESTING me to see if my earlier ambition was still lurking in my heart. We took our son and his wife back for a second look and the perfections of the house had not changed but my contentment with where I live was solidly in place.

It is not a shock that today’s word is about God testing His people. The OT word can be translated as “test, try, prove.” Common in the poetic and prophetic books, it mostly describes His testing of human hearts. Psalm 17:3 says, “You have tried my heart, you have visited me by night, you have tested me, and you will find nothing; I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.”

Many verses speak of this, from God’s testing of Abraham’s faith when he was asked to sacrifice Isaac to the horrors that Job experienced but said in Job 23:10, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.”

This word may have originated from how metals were refined — heated and the dross skimmed off until the refiner could see his reflection in the surface. Testing and other similar words are about proving one’s obedience or loyalty, especially in their relationship with God.

Deuteronomy 8:2–3 points out that Israel’s wilderness experience was a test to teach God’s people to depend on Him for more than food; He wanted their absolute loyalty to His every word.

“And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

Whether in OT times or under the new covenant, God’s plan is much the same as Zechariah 13:9 says:

“And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon my name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are my people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

The NT word means the same: “a critical examination of something to determine its genuineness.” Christians are told to test or examine ourselves and expect to be tested by fire (the situations of life that put us in hot water) “so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7). We are continually told to discern or test the will of God.

Although God does not tempt us to sin, He does test our faith. I’m reminded of Moses. He was treated like royalty and yet when push came to shove, this man decided to go with God rather than enjoy his royal position:

Hebrews 11:23–27. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

GAZE INTO HIS GLORY. My test did not have the same implications, but God was checking me out. Did I want to have the fleeting pleasure of living in a ‘perfect’ place (the one I do live in is just fine, only smaller) or would I be content to let Him make all those decisions? I suppose we could win that big house, but the issue is not about a house but my heart. Being tested shows me where I am and what I am trusting, and I am thankful that it is Jesus, the One who is worthy — and not anything or anyone else.

 

God's Basic Premise

Some preach a ‘prosperity’ gospel telling people that all their troubles will be over when they give their lives to God through faith in Jesus Christ. That would be lovely, but it is not true. Scripture does not back it up. The story of Job verifies that even the most faithful believers can experience deep troubles. Verses like the following also show that Christians face various trials. Not only that, God uses those trials to test and mature our faith!

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2–4)

Humanly speaking, most people tend to base their happiness and sense of well-being on external circumstances. People are happy if they have a good job, or a good day at work, or if their children are well behaved. Even those who suffer setbacks will say as long as they have their health, they are happy.

Job lost everything, including his health. He complained about his situation and about the unfair accusations of his friends. He was frustrated with the silence of God yet even could say:

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.” (Job 23:10)

The basic premise is that eternal matters are God’s priority and He is far more concerned with my character than my comfort. He is teaching me to trust in Him only; He is the source of my well-being. In fact, the Holy Spirit can give joy no matter what is going on in my life.

One way I know is that the joy Jesus had did not depend on His circumstances. The Word of God points out that could face the cross and the horrible death of crucifixion without losing joy:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

Even on that awful day when He bore the sin of the world, my sin included, He looked at the shame of it with contempt and was instead focused on the joy that was His because He fully trusted His Father.

David also knew where his joy came from . . . 

 “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)

D. L. Moody quoted a friend who told him, “The world has yet to see what God can do to a man who is fully committed to Him.” Certainly a big part of what could be seen is that incredible joy, regardless of all that a fully committed person would face.

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Lord, there have been times when You eclipsed my trials with joy — giving me a glimpse of that fullness of joy that David knew regardless of the stress he was under. In today’s devotional, Tozer says we often allow trifling and minor incidents to disturb our fellowship with You. I cannot control Your flow of joy but I can say NO to all that blocks it. Perhaps the biggest is wanting to be happy all the time in that worldly sense where nothing is going wrong and I’m totally comfortable. Instead, grant me the grace to accept Your baseline and abound in joy even as affliction and trials come my way. 

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Today is 9/11. Those who survived experience nightmares still and have memories that haunt them continually. I spent much of today praying for God to give them peace.