HARD PRESSED, BUT NOT CRUSHED
Monday, October 27, 2014
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
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One day, Satan went to God and said, “Do you see this boy? I will crush his spirit with verbal and physical abuse.” Then God responded, “I will give him the ability to use words to encourage and uplift others’ spirits, for that is my will for him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18)
With a malicious and spiteful tone in his voice, Satan said, “I will make his father on earth reject him.” God responded, “Do you not know, fallen one, that I Am his real Father, and I will give him compassion for widows and orphans.” (James 1:27)
After his first two attempts, Satan was more determined to crush this boy’s spirit. He shouted up to God, “I will tarnish his soul, body and innocence with immoral men.” Again, God firmly responded, “Then I will cause this boy to hate injustice and help those children who are persecuted.” (Micah3:8)
Despite his last three failures, Satan desperately shrieked, “I WILL CAUSE OTHERS TO RIDICULE AND TORMENT HIM!” Finally, with a thundering voice, the Mighty One boldly claimed, “This boy will treat all my sons and daughters the same way he loves me: with love, compassion and respect. Because he knows that I created all men and women in my image alone. Now, begone fallen one, and never bother me again regarding this boy!” (Romans 15:7)
Many years later, Satan tried one last time to break this boy. He went up to God and said, “What do you say now Lord!?” I have put into this boy a cancerous tumor. He will suffer...endure hardship...experience pain and discomfort for the rest of his miserable life!” And then he will die. What do you say now, Father to the fatherless!?”
Then, Jehovah responded, “There is wonderful joy ahead [for this boy], even though[he] must endure many trials for [many years]. These trials will show that [his] faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though [his] faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when [his] faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring [him] much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”(1 Peter 6-9). And do you know fallen one, that [he] will always love [Me] even though he has never seen [Me]. Therefore fallen one, if you continue to torment this boy, you will only make him stronger and determine to fight for the fatherless…uphold justice…love others the way I love them…and always embrace me.”
After listening to God's final response, Satan knew that he will never be able to get the boy to deny and curse the Lord.
ajh
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