First of all, I want to make it clear that I believe in the power of prayer; I believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and I believe that G-d blesses those who are called by His Name. I believe that G-d heals and I believe that G-d provides for His children. And I do believe that there are demonic forces at work in this world. But, I also believe that we can’t attribute every conflict or hardship in the life of a believer to the devil.
Although, there is the reality of spiritual hardships, physical conflicts and personal trials; many believers seem to attribute all of these to the devil. It seems that many have a hard time understanding that the devil isn’t responsible for every trial or tribulation that one experiences here in this world; especially concerning matters of sin. Now, don’t think I’m defending the devil in any way but, we are very good at finding sin all on our own; without his help (James 1:15). Some even assume that if you experience any type of conflict or hardship in life it is proof that you are following G-d. This is why the devil is “attacking” you. “If you’re being attacked, then you must be doing something right?” However, this isn’t always so. Some (especially those in the “Word of Faith” movement) even go as far to say that sickness and poverty are the result of sin in your life (usually identified as secret sin) or lack of faith.
Many of the hardships that we experience as believers are not attacks of Satan but instead a part of living life in this world. The simple fact is that we live in a sinful and dying world. We live in finite bodies, which have been affected by sin and death. People get sick, people suffer hardship and people die. And believers in Messiah are no exception. This is why Salvation is so important. A believer is no better than the sinner, just better off eternally. Even so, we are not to boast about this but instead, extend the message of hope to those who have none (1 Corinthians 5:6; James 4:15-17).
Yes, the devil continually prowls around as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). And yes, we do encounter spiritual struggles (Eph 6:12). But, these things primarily have to do with temptation and our service unto G-d. Trial and tribulation are a part of living in this world. And according to the Bible, the believer actually learns and matures because of them (Hebrews 10:36). We learn how to be more attentive concerning matters of faith and our reliance upon G-d deepens. We may be tested in spiritual matters but this doesn’t preclude us from the trials that may accompany those tests (Luke 22:31-33).
Sin and death are in the world. We all are affected by both, but not all are saved from both (Romans 6:23); except those who have repented of their sins and put their faith in Messiah Yeshua. And we mustn’t forget; the devil is a created being. He is not omniscient, he is not omnipresent and he is not omnipotent. The devil is a being that has an end who is awaiting his final judgment from the Throne (Revelation 20:10).
In Luke 13 Messiah is asked about some Galileans who were killed at the Temple; and about some who were killed when a tower in Siloam fell on them. The questions posed to Him were to imply that some were worse deserving of death than others because of their sins. Instead of saying that these events were attacks of the devil or judgments from G-d, Yeshua simply said; “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” – Luke 13:5. Death comes to us all. But eternal life is only promised to those who believe in Messiah.
Through repentance and faith in Messiah you are saved from the wages of sin and the judgment of death. This is the grace of G-d in Messiah. But because you have been saved from judgment doesn’t mean that you won’t experience hardship and conflict in this world. The fact of the matter is, you have and you will. But concerning this truth Messiah said; "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world” – John 16:33.
Shalom.
No comments:
Post a Comment