CHAPLAIN’S PAGE – WHERE IS GOD?
HAVE you ever felt alone, dejected, sad, frustrated? These experiences are common to all mankind, including many Christians. How many times have you had the feeling that your prayers are getting no further than the ceiling? You are not alone. Many that I have spoken to have admitted to times of doubt. Is there an answer? Yes, and it is staring us in the face and when we need it most, there doesn’t appear to be one!
The reason for these times of doubt proves the existence of Satan. It not only proves his existence, it does much more. It proves his hatred of the Creator God who has more power and authority than he will ever have. Isaiah was moved by the Holy Spirit to write down a spiritual truth that is little understood, even by Christians.
“How art thou fallen from Heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” – (Isaiah I4:12-15)
O the arrogance of Satan! He knows the end from the beginning. His knowledge of Almighty God, and the fact that His promises cannot fail, and for all that, he goes on believing that he will be like the most High. With such hatred, no wonder “Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour. “ – (I Peter 5:8)
Our adversary is never short of willing helpers. In every generation he has his lieutenants, who not only seek to destroy the faith of Christians, but never even consider the state of their own souls. There are many areas of attack that he uses to weaken the faith of believers. Not least is to cast doubts upon the resurrection of Christ. It is here that he is highly successful. Not least among his converts are bishops, priests and pastors of Christian churches. Although belief in our Lord’s physical and actual resurrection is doubted by so many, it is very rare indeed to find those who do not believe in a resurrection for themselves! I have, over many years heard some incredible ideas on the subject, especially by those who have lost a loved one. In this area, Satan continues to enjoy a high success rate. Belief in the risen Saviour is no longer an option for many, but belief in better things in an after life for humans is accepted by most. The concept of an after life outside of Christ and His resurrection is not a pleasant prospect.
Although the resurrection of Jesus is a well attested historical fact, it has borne the brunt of Satan’s hatred. Why is this so? Because he knew that when our Lord resolved to allow Himself to be put on that tree, that his days were numbered. Out of anger (because our wonderful Saviour suffered unto death), the only hope he believes he has, is to not only destroy the faith of believers, but above all, to destroy the nation of Israel. Not just the Southern house of Judah , but also the Northern house which has the royal seed in her midst. Destroy the royal house, and the Lord would be unable to rule the nations from His rightful place.
How come that we are able to discern these things? Paul shows us a truth which is our key to knowledge.
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” – (I Corinthians 2:14)
How true this is. Mr and Mrs Average look upon the Scriptures as foolishness, to be street-wise is what is important. Spiritual discernment is not on their list of priorities.
We commenced this article by bemoaning the fact that many Christians have times of serious doubt. What is the answer? Do we have assurance that our God is not only real, but above all, that He is close, and that we have the joy of His Presence in our very being?
“And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you” – (John l4:16-17)
What greater assurance do we need than this? Read those words over and over, until they become part of our very being. We need never doubt again. We need not ever feel alone, dejected, sad or frustrated. Our wonderful Saviour has taken all these normal human experiences on His shoulders so that He may abide in us, and we in Him.
