The Right Strategy

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV). So far this week it sounds as if I am advocating living a life without pain. That is not correct. I know that there are those who have prayed and not been healed of their pain. Does that mean their prayers were somehow inferior? Or, was there some sin keeping them from being delivered from their difficulty? Of course not! That is one of the principal messages of Job. Even the Apostle Paul came to the place where he knew he was not going to be healed of his illness, and no greater man of faith ever existed! The key to our brief studies these past few mornings is to learn to face the pain of chronic illness and still dance the dance! Paul says to “pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.” In this we find a strategy for coping with chronic illness. If we are going to live with pain, the way to come to a peace about it is to let God use it in our lives in any way that He sees fit. That happens as we place ourselves at His side through the Holy Spirit’s presence. We rest and wait for the purpose to be revealed. Each of us can find a purpose in the pain. Here are some things I have discovered that have helped me in learning to get along with illness:  God has planned a special purpose for my life (cf. Jeremiah 11:29a). Even when the devil seeks my destruction, God has control of my life. No matter what might happen, He is in ultimate control. That brings me a sense of peace. When I don’t understand the “why,” I can trust Him because He does know.  God is not out to hurt me. I need not fear His plans (cf. Jeremiah 29:11b). Even when it doesn’t seem to make any sense, I can trust Him for my future.  God does not waste our suffering. I will never understand God completely or His reasons for what He does or allows. Those things that seem to make the least sense have turned out to be the most important experiences of life. God loves me, but His greatest desire is for me to become more like Christ, not to become more comfortable. God is in control. I can do all things only through Christ who strengthens me.  God wants my time. God is more interested in who I am than what I do, but He also desires for me to produce fruit and share Him with others. As a person with an illness I am not exempt from picking fruit. Sometimes that means I need to ask Him to carry my basket. The right equipment, the right training, and the right strategy – these three go a long way toward making sure we are victorious in our struggle with the devil! Don’t miss tomorrow’s devotional when I talk about how to help others in their pain.