More Of Trial C

Having been taken to identify and testify to some of the ways the enemy is trying to get us to fall prey to his most unscrupulous temptations, we hold the banner of Christ Jesus high. His is the one and only Victorious Banner, which no one can refute.

We begin with these words in our ears, If You are the Son of God. Many a believer, facing such trials, torments and insensitivity, is standing on shaky feet, as human weaknesses in all areas, seem to be in full command.  We seem not to be able to handle the, 'if you are a child of God, then do or do not do', scenarios. Let me share these two realities for what they are worth. May God grant us active ears and even more ready and active responses, in His Name. 

A very good colleague and friend of mine, lived with her husband throwing these words at her, ever so often. “And you say that you are a Christian and Christ is in you!” The first time I experienced this was on an occasion when I went to visit my friend, to have fellowship with her. We were having a good spiritual time, when the husband came in from work and sat for a bit with us. My friend was saying something about God and God’s trustfulness to give us peace, when he chimed in, with a mischievous look at that. He said this. And you say that you are a Christian and Christ is with you and you have to take medication to sleep!

My dear friend was not amused in the least, though her husband began to chuckle. She was embarrassed, I could tell it and the truth is that I honestly was shocked to hear this. I relate this to show you that others, who do not claim to be a Jesus follower as you do, are ready to catch you in such a net. If you are a Christian, a believer in the One who is Peace and gives peace, why do you look elsewhere for peace?  The question is the same for Jesus, in our named Trial C. Though the situation is different, the intention is the same. It is to make Jesus, and all His believers, who are going through similar experiences, bring on and feel a deep sense of guilt, about not responding to situations in the power of the Father.

The other example is more personal, in that it has to do with me directly. Our son, who had come to the place where church and church people were not sitting well with him, about what was being preached and what was being lived, said this to me one day. It was a statement that so stung of truth, that it changed my way forever, of portraying myself in Jesus. Something big was taking place in the family and when he saw my manner and what was happening to me, he very firmly said. “And you call yourself a Christian, a child of God and you are worrying as if He is dead or something! Jesus said to pray, so if you believe and trust Him, pray and ask Him to do something.” Again, this, like the other, had come to make me wobbly about my position with Jesus and His position with me.

So where are we? This trial is even more targeted and trying, for too often, we forget that the cunning trickster has an agenda which he conceals from us. He comes with bright, attractive bait, to weaken and shake our spiritual feet. We forget that the devil knows truth, more than we do and that he will catch us off guard, with guilt trips, which lead us nowhere pleasing to God. Just as the tempter made an ‘If’, remark to Jesus, much more to you and to me, Jesus’ followers.

Where are you personally? Do not be made to crumble under truth or guilt, right or wrong. Look to Jesus! The trickster would have Jesus fumble for a second even, encouraging Him, if He is really whom He claims to be, the Son of God, to, throw Yourself down. For it is written: He shall give His angels charge over You, and, In their hands they shall bear You up, lest You dash Your foot against a stone.  Jesus, because He knew who He was, quickly responded with these commanding words. It is written, You shall not tempt the LORD your God. 

Let the voices speak, but do not allow neither guilt nor innocence, to cause you to respond in any way that is not Jesus. Look to Him for response. He is ever so pleased to bring victory upon victory to you.

Hallelujah!