Recently I listened to a discussion that made absolutely no sense to me. Have you ever had that happen?
In this case, this was a problem of having no historical information. I did not have the same information going into that conversation that the others did. Therefore I did not understand the context, nor could I add anything of worth.
That can be frustrating.
Many people approach their walk with the Lord that way; we don't understand that mankind was not there at the beginning of all things.
When bad things happen, we are surprised. When evil events show up in the news we are amazed. What is happening to the world?, we wonder.
But we forget, mankind arrived on the scene after some pretty heavy events had already taken place. Satan's rebellion in heaven took place before mankind was created. They were placed in a garden where an enemy already had access.
There was a battle long before we arrived and this world we live in today feels the repercussions of that battle - because it is still going on.
An enemy who hates God has raged war on mankind as well, because mankind was created in God's image.
As John tells us, "We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:18-19 (NIV)
Today we look around at all the craziness that is going on and we wonder why? It is because there was a battle raging long before we got here, and we are caught up in that battle.
Viewing the world in that context can suddenly make things make a lot more sense.
It can also cause us to be much more alert, especially when our days are full of problems and strife.
As Peter tells us,
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
But,
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:8-11
Amen
