August 2, 2011
The typical view of the Christian life is that it means being delivered from all adversity. But it actually means being deliveredin adversity, which is something very different. “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling . . .” (Psalm 91:1,10)— the place where you are at one with God.
If you are a child of God, you will certainly encounter adversities, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” He is saying, “There is nothing for you to fear.” The same people who refused to talk about their adversities before they were saved often complain and worry after being born again because they have the wrong idea of what it means to live the life of a saint.
God does not give us overcoming life— He gives us life as we overcome. The strain of life is what builds our strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. And once you face the strain, you will immediately get the strength. Overcome your own timidity and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment— “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life . . .” (Revelation 2:7). If you completely give of yourself physically, you become exhausted. But when you give of yourself spiritually, you get more strength. God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Our temptation is to face adversities from the standpoint of our own common sense. But a saint can “be of good cheer” even when seemingly defeated by adversities, because victory is absurdly impossible to everyone, except God.
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August 2, 2011
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord, I believe this is a testimony that comes to us later in our spiritual journey; that your children will have difficulties and tough times. Early in our Christian lives we believe, think and hope that you will rescue us from the tough stuff. But later we learn that we get to go through difficult times.
This is not the message we want to hear; that You save us in the storms, not from the storms. Given a choice, I would rather not experience the storms Lord; however, I can look back and see their value. I can feel roots that reach down deep and strong; attached to your very solid foundation. They did not get there overnight, and I now know they will only grow strong and deep when watered by your blood and my tears.
And God says…”I love you very much, and am doing more than you could ever imagine to facilitate your transformation. I love you enough to allow the sandpaper and whetstones of life to touch you liberally. Do not try and get out of your trials too early; let them have their perfect result. Praise Me in the storms and look for rainbows that will surely arrive at precisely the right times.”
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