This week revealed a serious attack on our marriage. What is amazing is the fact that throughout this unexpected journey, our marriage has been a bedrock of strength. Although I should not be surprised, I am simply because of how strong our marriage is.
The matter has been complicated by additional work-related stress, and allergy attacks zapping my physical strength. It is a very important lesson in how ruthless the adversary, the devil, is in his attacks on servants of the Lord.
Our marriage is not in trouble, we are far too committed to each other, and the Lord, for that to happen. I suppose that I should rejoice that these attacks have reached this level, almost like a desperate measure to get at our family.
I write this simply because it is important to understand that this life of following Christ is one of warfare. One translation says that this life with Christ is not like an afternoon sporting event that we will walk away from and soon forget. It is quite the contrary, it is to capture—the attacks of the enemy, or be captured by them.
A close personal relationship with the godhead is not about a sweet easy-going life of ease. It is about suiting up for battle, and battling with the right kinds of weapons—spirit words, called the sword of the spirit, in order to capture the thoughts, imaginations, and intentions of the enemy.
Since God the Father is interested in our eternity, he has charged God the Holy Spirit to position us for training in a life of the Spirit. This is possible because of the sacrifice of God the Son. Because humanity is given the ability to choose, God the Holy Spirit can only move forward with his charge when given permission.
This is the difference—at least by today’s standards—between a Christian and Christ-follower. A Christian has become a label that is worn to gain access to things, while a Christ-follower is a position in Christ that allows God the Holy Spirit to take you on this unexpected journey. It is both exciting, and scary.
According to the Bible, there will come a time in this life, when the charge of God the Holy Spirit is complete enough to allow temporal blessings to overflow you. Both the Old and New Testament books are filled with men and women whose lives are a testimony to this. Joseph in the Old Testament is one example, while Peter in the New Testament is another.
In the Old Testament writings of King Solomon, is a passage of scripture that goes something like this, first you experience humility, then you experience glory. Most people—Christian, non-Christian alike—are not too keen on experiencing humility. However, those who do will certainly experience God’s glory, both in this life and in the eternal life.