Keep your faith!

 

Lk 22:31-32, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

We do not like pain and testing. If we could always have it easy, then we would be more than happy. However, we live in a fallen world and suffering is part of (daily) life. I am not going to be metaphysical about the existence of evil or the devil: reason allows me to, but faith advises against. Furthermore, I personally do not see how knowing why GOD created the devil will help me cope better with the death of a loved one, cancer, rape or a tsunami. Therefore, I can do without all the explanations today, knowing that, in any case, I will know everything one day (1Cor 13:9-12); and when I cannot ignore the reality of evil and suffering, my faith comes to my rescue.

Indeed, Paul reminds us that the temptations/testing that we go through are common to man. There is nothing exceptional about them. It is just… life… It is therefore useless comparing our predicament with that of others because, what seems terrible to me may not be a big deal for someone else and what I have easily overcome may be someone else’s biggest weakness/stumbling block. To everyone their grace; and this is why Paul goes on to say that GOD will not let us be tempted beyond our ability, but will also provide the way of escape along with the temptation, so that we can endure it (1Co 10:13). Most of the time, when we quote this verse, we stop here and yet, Paul immediately goes on saying: Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry (vs. 14). In other words, if we do not deal with the testing the right way, we are in great danger of falling into idolatry – i.e. giving in to, submitting to and serving anything other than GOD.

Now, I can better understand Jesus’ words to Peter: I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. He doesn’t say: “Don’t worry Peter. My Father has forbidden Satan to sift you guys.” No. It is rather: “You will go through hell, but that’s not a big deal. It is your faith that concerns Me the most. I know it is not strong enough and so, I have prayed that it may not fail and you may not fall into idolatry. Regardless of what is coming, it is important that you remember that if you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour – your Jesus. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. You are precious in my eyes, I love you, I give men in return for you, peoples in exchange for your life. Fear not, for I am with you (Is 43:2-5)… Only watch your faith. Do not lose it because of a challenge. Instead of moaning and crying, think, for GOD has already provided a way out. After you have overcome the Adversary, strengthen the remnant – of brethren – which is about to die (Rev 3:2).”

Same thing in Smyrna (Rev 2:10). The LORD told them: “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” He did not promise them to keep the devil at bay, but exhorted them to be faithful even unto death - i.e. to hold onto their faith even if they had to die for it. I am sincerely convinced that if die we must, then it is better to die in Christ than outside of Him. Do not let any temptation or transitory testing rob you of your crown: Keep your faith in GOD: He is Faithful.

Have a wonderblessed week in HIM!

PS: After writing this posting I stumbled upon a trailer of an upcoming movie which reflects everything I’ve written here. You can watch it at http://www.godsnotdeadthemovie.com/ and also visit their Facebook page.