Despite our Rebirth

Despite our rebirth, suffering and evil still buffet us. God says of the redeemed, “When [not if] you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When [not if] you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched nor will the flame burn.... Since you are precious in My sight ... do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:2-4-5). When you are in a fix, understanding:

• what God has stated about His commitment to your well-being

• that hard times are a product of the fall, but are necessary for being conformed to the image of Christ

• that your sufferings are not always caused by God, but allowed by Him

• that your sufferings can be used by God to your eternal benefit

• the big picture will strengthen your resolve to stay in the fight with vigor.

Understanding the big picture is the key to producing Christians with a resolve to self-sacrifice. Conversely, a lack of clear understanding, or a disagreement with the big picture, erodes morale in spiritual warfare. This is especially true when you’re suffering.

Satan is more aware of this than we, therefore much of his strategy targets your mind during suffering. He seeks to deceive you through the power of sin to blind you from obtaining an accurate view of God’s big picture and the role that suffering plays in it.

- Bill Gillham