Pain, Truth, Love and Light

This is not a fun post.  My heart hurts.  I'm watching worlds fall apart in the lives of so many people that I care about.  Friends of mine are hurting and grieving.  Many, many friends.  My heart hurts and I am angry.

I am angry not at flesh and blood, because I believe the bible when it says in Ephesians 6:12:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

I am not angry at the people doing the things that are hurting my friends.  Okay, I'm a little angry at the people, but I'm trying not to be.  I'm angry at satan.  Satan is trying to destroy much that I hold dear and he's using people I love to do so.  Satan is the father of lies.  He brings death and destruction.  (John 10:10)

My heart is hurting for so many people that are unaware of the truth or are being deceived.  My prayer is for God in all His glory to reveal light and truth.  This deception is causing more than a little pain. 

Friends are mistrusting one another.  People's motives are being questioned.  It reminds me of the story of the serpent asking Eve "Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”  We are questioning ourselves "Was that really what God said?"  And satan is questioning us "Is that really what happened?  Whom do you really trust?  Is it really that bad?"

During our family bible reading tonight (Job) my 5 year old said "So Satan is evil in this story."  I replied with "Yes, Satan is always evil."  Then my little girl, very bright and perceptive as she is said the words that made my heart fall: "But Satan used to be an angel.  He's a fallen angel."  

In light of the pain being experienced in my circle of friends and the mistrust of one another I see this statement with its great weight.  Satan was an angel.  He fell.  His pride led to his fall.  If an angel can fall from God, how much more easily can we?  It is no wonder great men of history have collapsed and average men have destroyed their lives and families.  It is no wonder we can be caused to gossip and murmur about who is saying what and who is talking to whom about what.  No wonder we can let the father of lies whisper in our ears and turn us against our friends, our brothers and sisters. 

 

But I am joyful.  I do not rejoice in the pain of people I love.  There is no win for anyone involved in this.  At least not now.  I rejoice because, with God and if we trust Him above all else, there IS a win, a win for all involved.  God can use this so that ALL come out better in the future, not despite but because of the pain.  I rejoice because God is in control.  He loves us and knows all, He knows our hearts and loves us all the more.  I rejoice because in Him is truth and life and there is no other way.