Just Gain
From a human standpoint, I have always wondered what it like was to wait 25 years for one child while being promised, Abraham, you would have a nation with inhabitants like sands of the seashore, something he never saw. How does he not waver in faith (Romans 4:18-21)? He was told to leave a stable life in Haran only to have a nomadic life (moving from place to place, no restroom facilities, no kitchen, etc.), living in a tent throughout Caanan to become then separated from his cousin Lot. He had to fight a war against the two kings of Sodom and Gomorrah to defend and save his cousin Lot. He had to deal with ‘baby mama drama’ because of issues between Sarah and Hagar. He had to kick Ishmael out of his house, whom he loved. He had to endure a drought only to be forced to go to Egypt with a pretty wife when God knew that Pharaoh loved pretty women. How could this be living in the will of God? God teaches us that Satan is given much freedom because of mankind’s decision (Adam and Eve) to choose to disobey God. This is because the whole world lies in his power (1 John 5:19). Peter calls him “a roaring lion seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8; anxiety, doubt, trials), and he also goes to heaven day and night seeking, like in the case of Job, to make accusations against us (Revelation 12:10). Abraham experiences are not unique. Living in the will of God does expose us to adverse situations. Please note that no matter what individuals in the scriptures experienced, obeying God, God’s purposes were accomplished, and each individual became stronger. The circumstances that encompass them were threatening but never defeating (2 Corinthians 4:7-12) because the Word of God does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). He promises to protect us (Hebrews 1:14). Christ told the disciples they would have trouble (John 16:33), but He promised never to forsake them (Matthew 28:20). David, with all that he experienced said; “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them……; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord you His saints; for those who fear Him there is no want.” (Psalm 34:7-9). Satan is going to be Satan. However, God’s love is greater! The more we are tested, the more we grow in our faith, and the more we are exposed to how “Greater love has no one….” (John 15:7-10, 13). In our pain, God faithfully delivers His promises, which include His protection and power while being refined to become like Him (Galatians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:3-9); no loss, just gain (Philippians 1:21).
