Spiritual Warfare (PART 3) The Lord disciplines those he loves... Hebrews 12:6 Its important to know when youre under attack-and when youre not. One writer says: Theres a tendency among Christians to view anything unpleasant as spiritual warfare, rather than admit were reaping what weve sown. For example, if youve neglected your role as spiritual teacher to your children, God may let them fall into sin. If youve been dishonest, He may let you face the consequences. The Lord disciplines those He loves. It would be foolish to ask Him to ease your discomfort when Hes disciplining you to get your attention. How tragic never to make the connection. Gods discipline wont help you if you dismiss it as satans doing. If you misunderstand, you may blame Him for not answering your prayers or failing to protect you; meanwhile, Gods warning you of danger. ...For a little while you may have had to suffer...that your faith...may be proved genuine... (1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV). A blacksmith with a chunk of metal on the anvil envisions what he wants. But it means melting down the old, recasting it, removing scars, repairing cracks, filling voids, and purging impurities until what was useless becomes valuable. Finally he plunges it into cold water until it hardens into an unbending, useful tool. Max Lucado says, An instrument is useful only if its in the right shape...A good blacksmith keeps his tools in shape...And so does God. Should He place you on His anvil, be thankful He thinks youre worth reshaping.
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 13:27:12 +0000
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