Watching scenes of looting and chaos in England brings feelings of dismay, even outrage. One image showed a couple with a small child simply trying to go home through a group of masked hooligans raising their fists at the police.
No doubt some of the people suffering because of this anarchy are Christians. While God can protect His people from such things, this may not happen. Throughout church history, suffering even dominates for God says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12–13)
However, not all suffering is because of godliness. Sometimes people hate us because of what we believe, but we can also suffer because we have done something foolish ourselves. The Bible instructs about this contrast and adds another element . . .
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12–19)
My devotional for today points out that anyone who chooses suffering has something amiss in their thinking. No healthy Christian ever chooses suffering. Instead, we choose God’s will as Jesus did, whether it means suffering or not. This is a learned discipline, learned because it takes time to realize that God intends ultimate good for us and that we glorify Him in all situations.
However, we can also suffer because God is using it to change our lives. Accepting and profiting from this requires discipline and humility in my own heart. It also requires discernment when God uses suffering to shape other people, or to draw them to Himself when nothing else seems to do it. I need to realize that I cannot dare interfere with His discipline in the life of another.
For some, this is terribly difficult. Graced with compassion and a desire that others are happy and feel good, some Christians can barely watch the television news, never mind consider that another Christian is “suffering according to God’s will.” Yet as I think of my own struggles with sin and suffering, I realize that God is pleased when His people grasp His way of using suffering to make other saints strong and mature for God.
When I suffer, those who do me the most good never sympathize or pity me. Such a response turns my heart inward to do the same and tempts me to self-pity. Even Jesus rebuked this attitude. When He explained to His disciples that He would suffer and die, “Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.’”
Anyone might think this is an encouraging word, but Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”(Matthew 16:22–23)
Most of the time, I have no idea what God is doing. It seems that He wastes lives and puts people into situations that waste time and resources also. I have my ideas of what is valuable and useful, but God puts His people where we will glorify Him. I cannot judge where that is.
Further, to do so may lead me to cast a judgment on God’s character. When that happens, God never answers back or vindicates Himself, so I could blindly and ignorantly hold to the idea that I know more about Him than I do. Jesus did not need sympathy in His earthly life. He refused sympathy from Peter because He knew that Peter nor anyone else understood what He was doing. He took sympathy only from His Father and from the angels who ministered to Him. Both Jesus and Peter instruct me.
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Father, because You have shown me this and taught me to value Your purposes in suffering, I’m not always sympathetic when others suffer, even when I need to be. Give me the discernment to know when to empathize and when to encourage suffering people to look away from themselves toward You. Teach me the right time and way to show mercy — and the right time and way to not interfere with Your dealings in others as they experience difficult times.
This morning I read a passage (Romans 1:18-32) about the wrath of God against unrighteousness and how He “gives over to sin” those who are determined to pursue their evil desires. Such hopelessness.
Then I read Spurgeon’s devotional about a woman who had been possessed by seven demons. While this might bring to mind the horrors of movies that tend to be released in October, the Bible does not describe the ways in which these demons affected Mary. I can only conclude that since Satan is a liar and destroyer (Jesus’ description), she was likely caught up in deception and some form of self-destructive behavior. However, Jesus changed all that. She now holds a special place as the first woman to see Him after He rose from the dead.
Now when he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. (Mark 16:9)
When I read Spurgeon’s description of Mary, I wept. Many of the people on my prayer list seem to be “impossible” as far as my vision can see. They have no interest in God, use the name of Jesus only to curse, and are caught up in self-destructive lifestyles. Yet what Jesus did for Mary shows me that none of these whom I care about are beyond the reach of His grace. I paraphrase Spurgeon slightly, but this is what he writes:
Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only, but seven. These dreadful inmates caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She could not help herself, neither could any human assistance, but Jesus passed that way. Unasked for and probably resisted by the demoniac, He spoke and Mary became a trophy of His healing power.
All seven demons left her, never to return. What a deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven!
Immediately she became a follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His steps, sharing His toilsome life. She became His generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women who ministered to Him of their substance.
When Jesus was lifted up on the cross, Mary remained and shared His shame. She first looked on from afar, then drew near to the foot of the cross. She could not die with Him, but remained as close as she could. When His body was taken down, she watched where it was laid. She was last at the sepulcher where Jesus was buried and there first when He arose.
Her holy faithfulness put her at the side of Jesus on that glad resurrection morning. He called her by name and made her His messenger. She took the good news to His trembling disciples and Peter.
Grace found Mary a maniac and made her a minister. Grace cast out devils and granted her the first look a her risen Savior. Grace delivered her from Satan and united her forever to the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Lord, Spurgeon ends by saying, “May I also be such a miracle of grace!” I want that too! And I also yearn for Your incredible saving grace to fall on so many others who are caught in sin, some even caught in the power of evil so deep that their release seems impossible. Mary is only one example that proves no one or nothing is impossible for You. May Your miracle of grace be freely poured out on so many who are still like Mary once was. Like her, I want to see firsthand Your life-giving power in their lives.
Some people have arachnophobia, a deep fear of spiders. After reading this passage in the Bible and what Spurgeon has to say about it, this might not be a bad idea.
Isaiah talks about the power of God to save anyone and to hear our prayers, but he also says that iniquities make a separation between us and God. Our sins hide His face from us, meaning that sin is a barricade to a saving relationship with Him. Sin can only be fought with truth, so Isaiah also talks about false teachers who have trapped people with their lies and evil ideas. He compares these deceivers to adders and spiders.
No one enters suit justly; no one goes to law honestly; they rely on empty pleas, they speak lies, they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. They hatch adders’ eggs; they weave the spider’s web; he who eats their eggs dies, and from one that is crushed a viper is hatched. Their webs will not serve as clothing; men will not cover themselves with what they make. Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they are swift to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their highways. The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace. (Isaiah 59:4–8)
Spurgeon points out that a spider’s web is skillfully crafted just as a deceiver’s religion appears equally wonderful. I’ve listened to some of them and marvel that they can make barefaced lies appear to be truth. Their tinsel seems to do for them what only pure gold can do for me. Sometimes I am amazed that they are so contented and happy with that which is contrary to God’s Word.
Spurgeon points out the source of their “faith” by noting that a spider’s web comes from the creature’s own bowels. A bee gathers her wax from flowers, but spiders suck no flowers and still spin out their gossamer web. False teachers find their trust and hope within themselves and anchor their souls on that which has come out of their own understanding. This is similar to what Paul said about his people who thought they could be saved by keeping the Law.
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. (Romans 10:1–4)
These spiders that Isaiah refers to have turned their backs on grace and the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ. Instead, they lay their own foundation and system of how to be saved. However, as Spurgeon points out, this web of their own making may be “curiously wrought” but it is not “enduringly manufactured.” As a spider’s web is no match for a housekeeper’s broom, a false teacher’s ideas will come down with a mere puff of wind directed by the power of God. The Lord will not allow cobwebs to remain in His house. He will eventually destroy false teaching and those who spin their webs of deceit.
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God, keep my soul resting on something better than a spider’s web. I know that I cannot make up a faith system based on myself or what I can do. The solid foundation for eternal life is never from human ideas or effort, no matter how good it looks. Instead, the Lord Jesus is my Rock and my eternal life. No spider web, no matter how it appears or seems, can compete with Him.
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When Satan in mentioned, many minds go to a cartoon character with horns, a forked tail and bright red body. By reducing this fallen and rebellious angel to this image, the next step is to take him lightly or dismiss him from existence.
Paul didn’t do that. He was aware of this enemy whom Jesus called the Liar and Destroyer and several times mentioned how Satan hindered him.
But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you — I, Paul, again and again — but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:17–18)
When I am praying, I’m aware that God does not need my persuasion. He is eager to bless people and do good. The Bible indicates prayer is spiritual warfare and the enemy and opposition to all that is good is Satan. He hindered the work of Paul and he tries to hinder everything that anyone attempts in service to Jesus Christ, including prayer.
Paul also knew that this enemy had various methods for stopping God’s people. Of course the big two are unbelief and sin. If he can get us to stop trusting God and tempt us to go our own way, this will effectively immobilize our efforts.
He does this in several ways. He lies. He makes suggestions that sound good at first but are contrary to the Word of God. He tries to make us think we can do good even in disobedience or that God is not interested in “this little sin.” He dares us to step out without relying on the Holy Spirit. He discredits the character of God and accuses God’s people. He tries to get us focused on minor issues, or pushes us to fight with one another. When rifts and spats happen, he knows that forgiveness is an important testimony to our faith, so he tries to stop that from happening.
Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. (2 Corinthians 2:10–11)
He also uses false teaching and false teachers who disguise themselves as messengers of God, even as “angels of light” who appear to be genuine but are telling lies. For those, God’s people need to have sound doctrine and be very alert.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)
When Satan tempted Jesus, he preyed on his physical weakness and extreme need at that time (hunger). He also promised worldly authority and power. Jesus resisted and answered him with Scripture.
Satan wants to silence the gospel and stop the spread of God’s Word. When the gospel is preached or shared, he tries to blind people’s understanding so they cannot grasp the meaning of the message. He might use violence and affliction as a way of deterring faith. He certainly uses distractions like the cares of this life and worldly pleasures. He will hit our weaknesses and make us proud of our strengths.
I don’t look for Satan under every rock and think he is behind every activity that goes contrary to my plans, but I am aware that when God calls me to a task, there will be opposition. Sometimes I do not “feel” like obeying or am pulled aside by doubt, reasoning, or my own wants and wishes. However, the Spirit of God is more powerful than all of these. As I pay attention to Him, Satan’s methods begin to lose their strength. This is a very real war. I can win it by one major tactic . . .
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Faith is vital, but so is obedience. Submission to God gives me what I need to resist this enemy, and not only does he lose, he must also take flight. He cannot do anything to me when I am yielded to the Lord.
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Father, these days of blessing are also filled with war. It seems that when Your goodness is at work, this enemy intensifies his efforts to deceive, distract and destroy. Keep me alert. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil — that You and Your name are glorified.
When I prayed, I didn’t tell God how to fix the problem. Sometimes I do that, but telling God what to do is a huge insult. Instead, I presented the problem with a “surprise me” attitude and He did something unexpected and perfect for the situation. Praise His name!
Sometimes my prayers are about little things. I confess to praying for parking spaces when I’m pressed for time and the lot seems full. I also pray for wisdom when I go grocery shopping and self-control when passing the frig or the pantry.
I have friends that say this is silly; that we should not bother God with stuff we can handle ourselves. I do not agree. For one thing, where do I draw the line between what I can handle and what only God can do? To be honest, I can remember many times that my “handling” of things simply got in God’s way. He is polite and lets me try, but once I realize my solutions are neither wise nor effective, He is ready and willing to step in when I pray. So I’m learning to “pray without ceasing” and trying to eliminate the folly of that learning curve.
Also, lately my prayers include much bigger requests. They are larger in scope and in global importance. I try not to pray mushy things like, “God, bless the world” but specific requests, like “God, bring daily bread and Your peace to Your people in the Congo.” Most of the time, these prayers are less self-centered and more about those areas of need that are beyond me. I’ve no idea how God can do it; I just know that He can.
I seldom hear others praying big prayers, but Spurgeon points to one made by King David in the psalms. David said this:
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! (Psalm 72:18–19)
I’ve prayed for God’s glory when I have conversations with others, during sport competitions (does He care who wins?), and when someone faces illness or adversity that seems purposeless. If God cannot be glorified in any of these situations, or any other events of life, then I might ask Him to change that situation. However, His glory is becoming more of a focus.
Also, one of my bigger prayers involves a close relative. He is in a cult and has been deceived, even brainwashed. I’ve prayed many years for his release from this bondage. Now I’ve started praying that the entire organization to which he belongs gets a wake-up call from God. God can save one soul from sin and the grasp of Satan’s lies so why not ask Him to save a multitude of souls while He is at it?
Spurgeon wonders if anyone can bow before the Crucified Jesus and not want to see their King as master of the entire world. There is no way I could love Jesus and enjoy His love for me without wanting others to know Him and His great mercy, love and grace. As my world grows bigger, then I can also pray that God will bless others with the revelation of His glory.
This can happen. The people of God must pray, both little and big prayers. We have a powerful God whose grace is sufficient to meet every need, from parking places to peace on earth. If we try to do it all ourselves, then reading the newspaper is sufficient to show the folly of taking that route.
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Father, You continually amaze and surprise me with answers to prayer. I know I’m to pray in faith, but You even answer those prayers prayed in helplessness and confusion. In fact, it seems as if You prefer me to feel weak and unable. While feeling helpless and not knowing what to do isn’t pleasant, this is far better than ignoring You and missing opportunities to see the wondrous things You do. Bless your glorious name, now and always. May the whole world, from my small corner to outer space, be filled with Your glory.
In the Greek language, love is expressed by several words, each with a different meaning. For instance, eros refers to the physical attraction between man and woman and phileo is more affection between family and friends. However, agape is a special word. It means the love that God gives. This is a love that no one can express apart from God’s power being at work in their lives.
This morning I checked a Greek dictionary and discovered a definition for agape that I’d not notice before. Besides conveying the idea of self-sacrificing service for the good of others, it also means being perfectly content with, or well-pleased with someone.
Using that definition, the following verse becomes specific about the promise that it makes. It is not for everyone . . .
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
This promise is for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. The next verse further defines that purpose God promises to those who love Him. For all who are perfectly content with God, He will use all things to transform them into the image of His Son.
This promise to bring good out of things is not about making all turn out right so that we feel good, although that is not ruled out. Instead, it is about remaking our thinking and way of life so that we are like Jesus. Again, the “our” means those who believe in God and are content to let Him be our Savior. We don’t try to save ourselves by the trappings of religion, but are totally happy to be saved by grace.
Spurgeon adds further description to the assurance in this promise. He says those who love God in this way know that He “sits in the stern-sheets of the vessel when it rocks most.” That is, Christians know that God’s hand is on the world’s tiller. Wherever providence drifts, Jehovah God steers it.
This reassurance holds me firm. When I look over the raging waters during the great storms of life, I see Jesus walking and hear Him say, “It is I, be not afraid.”
I also know that God is wise. In Him there are no accidents or mistakes. As Spurgeon says, “If I should lose all I have, it is better that I should lose than have, if God so wills: the worst calamity is the wisest and the kindest thing that could befall to me if God ordains it.” I can say this because I know that all things work together for good to those who love God.
This is no mere theory. Throughout my forty years of walking with Him, He has faithfully worked for good all events, even those that hurt deeply. It is as my devotional reading says; the sharp cuts of the lancet have cleansed out the proud flesh and facilitated the healing.
Each event has brought divinely blessed results. God rules all. He also governs wisely and brings good out of evil. I am content with Him.
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Oh God, my heart is once again assured. You enable me to calmly meet each trial. I can also pray with assurance for others who are in the middle of a storm. Even if they do not yet know You or have not yet learned to be content with You, You still have Your hand on the tiller. Your plans are perfect and Your way is always just and right. Thank You again for reminding me that I have good reason to love You and be fully content with You.
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When life deals unexpected and difficult blows to those I love, God seldom explains what He is doing. I know that He is involved in life’s events. I also know that He is sovereign and allows affliction for a reason. Yet today I would love to read His mind and to be comforted by knowing His perfect plans exactly.
While what He is doing in someone else’s life is not really my business to know, God does understand my thoughts and concerns. He may not reveal specifics about the person whose life has been turned upside down, but He does give me an example from the past to let me know a little about how He works in the affairs of His people.
He (an invading king) shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. (Daniel 11:32–35)
This is a portion of a prophecy from God’s man, Daniel. He was given a vision of the future and of kings that would invade and rule over God’s people. In this case, a particular king would make shambles of many, yet God would use what was happening to purify their lives and their faith.
First, those who know God will stand firm under lies that sound good but are intended to lead them astray. This spiritual battle of lies vs. truth happens all the time. They did it then and are still doing it. Those who follow God through faith in Jesus Christ are continually challenged by cults, false teachers, even false teaching from others who claim to be Christians. Only those who deeply know God and His ways can stand firm and take action. But those who violate our covenant relationship with Him by disobedience are not able to stand against this seduction hiding behind flattery.
Second, those who know God (called “the wise among the people”) will help others who fall for the lies. Even though difficulties happen and during tough times, many genuine Christians will stumble, even the wisest. Yet in that falling down and confusion to our faith, God will refine and purify His people. He uses all things together for our good, to make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29), so nothing ruins the plans of God. It might look like it from the external circumstances, but God is still in control and His purposes will prevail.
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Father, You know my anxiety for someone whose life seems to have been blown out of the water. However, this passage reassures me that no matter what happens to anyone, wise or disobedient, You have not turned Your face from them. You even will use their circumstances as part of Your plan to bring purity and maturity in that person’s life. Nothing is too hard for You and certainly nothing evades Your loving purposes for Your people.
