“Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our Enemy’s will, looks round upon a universe, from which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken, and still obeys.” – C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters
In C.S. Lewis’ Christian classic, The Screwtape Letters, Wormwood’s primary mission in life as a demon is to distract and discourage his earthly ‘patient’ from trusting in God. His uncle and mentor, Screwtape, is quick to remind his young nephew that God’s influence is far greater than he is giving Him credit.
In the quoted paragraph above, Uncle Screwtape implores Wormwood to not be deceived and so quick to assume that his patient is right where he wants him. Even more, he goes further to suggest that in some instances – his patient is right where the Enemy (God) is doing some of his greatest work with His follower.
And perhaps therein lies the most logical answer to the age-old question, “Why does a wise and just God allow His followers to endure hardship?”
Of course, our first instinct to find the answer to this question usually means diving into the Book of Job in the Bible. It is there we read that God allowed Satan to test Job in the harshest of ways in an attempt to prove that the only reason Job loved God was because He had richly blessed him. Job would ultimately prove Satan wrong by continuing to praise God, and God would restore Job completely.
But perhaps Peter offers us a clearer example.
In his first letter to the Gentile Christians, Peter reminds them of their new identity in Christ and challenges them to remain faithful in the midst of their sufferings.
“So be truly glad,” Peter writes. “There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Paul, who faced his share of suffering, echoes Peter’s sentiments.
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” – Romans 5:3-5
While the human natural response to trial and hardship is to find the easy way out, those of us in Christ are called to a supernatural response; one that is guided by the help of the Holy Spirit, who encourages us to rejoice in our suffering as it brings us closer to God and deepens our faith; a faith that is more precious than gold, a faith that is purified through fire.
Testing and trials are sure to come, James writes in chapter 1 and verse 2 in his Book. And when they do, “Count it all joy,” he says. Just as Christ came to suffer for us, we rejoice when we have the privilege to suffer for Him.
Today’s Prayer
Lord, I know that I’m not alone in my struggles and that You walk with me every step of the way. You have promised to never leave me or forsake me, and I cling to that promise today. I ask for Your strength and courage to face whatever comes my way with grace and faith.
May Your Holy Spirit empower me to persevere through any difficulty, knowing that You are with me and that Your plans for me are good. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and Your promises, and to let Your love be my anchor in the storm.
Thank You for Your faithfulness and Your never-ending love. I praise You for Your goodness and mercy that follow me all the days of my life. May You be glorified in my thoughts, words, and actions, today and always.
Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 