When we look at the holes in our spiritual walls, it is always discouraging. But let us take courage! I know that "pain" is no fun. But "pain" is actually a gift from God that alerts us to the fact that something is wrong. Physical pain tells us that we injured ourselves and we need to see a doctor or take some rest. It also keeps us from continuing to injure ourselves. Spiritual pain is the same. It's not easy, but it's necessary sometimes!
"We must have a knowledge of ourselves, a knowledge that will result in
contrition, before we can find pardon and peace. The Pharisee [speaking of the
story found in Luke 18] felt no conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit could not
work with him. His soul was encased in a self-righteous armor which the arrows
of God, barbed and true-aimed by angel hands, failed to penetrate. It is only
he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. He came “to heal the
brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight
to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18. But “they
that are whole need not a physician.” Luke 5:31. We must know our real
condition, or we shall not feel our need of Christ’s help. We must understand
our danger, or we shall not flee to the refuge. We must feel the pain of our
wounds, or we should not desire healing.” Christ
Object Lessons, p. 158
It is only by casting ourselves upon God, by standing upon
the power of His Word, and by claiming His promises that we can hope to obtain
deliverance and victory. The enemy forces may appear daunting. They may appear
unconquerable. But we must remember that our God is greater than all the powers
of darkness. (See 1 John 4:4, and John 12:31.) And if God is for us, who can be
against us?
“They are to contend with supernatural forces, but they are assured of supernatural help.
All the intelligences of heaven
are in this army. And more than angels are in the ranks. The
Holy Spirit, the representative of the Captain of the Lord’s host, comes down to direct the battle. Our infirmities may be many, our sins and mistakes
grievous; but the grace of God is for all who seek it with contrition. The power of
Omnipotence is enlisted in
behalf of those who trust in God.” Desire of Ages, p. 352
So let us strengthen ourselves in the Lord, knowing that God
will fight with us.
Review:
- Bible Thought: "Let us be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might."
- Blessing: That God gives us strength according to our days! Sometimes I think I don't have strength for this "great controversy" battle another day, but the next day God always supplies the strength.
- Battle: To not try to fight alone. We must depend on God!
About the concept of pain, I would say it is my experience that the pain associated with Jesus is completely different in nature from the pain experienced when committing sin. For example - every addict knows that committing the addiction may produce a momentary positive experience, but afterwards there is much 'pain'. This 'pain' may be characterized by self-loathing, physical discomfort to the extreme etc.... By 'addict' we can pretty much just fill in the blank because without Jesus we are all sin addicts. However - when Jesus comes into the picture, His correction is so unlike the pain we are used to we sometimes completely are desensitized to it. It may take awhile to become fully self-aware of those moments the Holy Spirit is trying to correct us. To me - that is only more beautiful. As Jesus grows our love for Him, moments of correction may be painful - but the paradigm is just completely different because the object of the suffering we have caused is the Redeemer full of compassionate love. So few on this earth have experienced healthy families, marriages, human relationships with appropriate discipline - this is almost an unknown concept. People today are already in so much pain - a default pain level so much deeper/higher than previously. Therefore - while the message of correction is needful and critical - I find it beautiful that it needn't be a fearful one...
ReplyDeleteI thought this was beautifully stated and I very much agree! It is actually my experience as well… I'd much rather feel the "pain of conviction" or the "pain of surrender" than the pain of sin, or worse yet, know once again that I have wounded Christ afresh. Anyway, thanks for this statement.
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