A Word: God The Enemy

April 17, 2007

Text: “The hand of the Lord hath wrought this.” Job 12:9

Topic: Quarreling with the Process

“If men would but believe that they are in the process of re-creation, and consent , yielding themselves in resplendent motion and submissive, hopeful action with the turning of His wheel—they would ere long find themselves able to welcome every pressure of that hand on them, even when it was felt in pain; and sometimes not only to believe but to recognize the divine end in view…” Streams in the Desert April 17th

When something inconvienient and uncomfortable happens to us we immediately begin to assign the unfortunate circumstance of events to the devil and like Jacob when wrestling with the angel mistake the presence of God with an enemy.

“Sometimes, God lets a stinging blow fall upon your life. The blood spurts. The nerves wince. The soul cries out in agony. The blow seems to you an appalling mistake. But it is not, for you are the most priceless jewel in the world to God. And he is the most skilled lapidary in the universe.” Ibid

We give the devil too much credit. Theologically speaking I believe that the devil is behind evil…all of it. Conversely, I believe that God is working….in an evil and imperfect world, and because he is Sovereign God he is not held hostage by the evil in Satan, the world or me. He is able to use what is meant for our destruction for our deliverance and destiny. This is why Paul exclaimed “All things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

We are being made into the image of God. THAT TAKES SOME HARD WORK. This is no easy process that we are willing to go along with even if we pray for it. Our natures naturally resist becoming like the image and character of Jesus. So through pain and agony, discipline and disappointment we are being made into the image of Him day by day (2 Cor 3:18).

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandonded; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Cor 4:7-9

“THE HAND OF THE LORD HATH WROUGHT THIS”