” . . . a Christian counselor told me during my first session that she has found each of us believe a core truth about how the world works, and it’s usually wrong. In the vast majority of instances, these core beliefs have no basis in (1) truth of God’s Word and (2) reality itself.”- Brian Jones
“Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.”- Psalm 5:12
In Chapter 6 (“Bodily Affliction”) of Finding Favor, Brian Jones comes to the stunning realization that his 5 years of debilitating back-left base of head pain was God’s blessing. No, the pain didn’t keep Pastor Jones from experiencing God’s favor. Nor did the God use the pain to help Brian discover God’s favor. Rather, the pain was God’s favor.
As a result, the author notes an often overlooked mystery of faith. When we pray for one kind of miracle, we often receive another different type of miracle. And in the process, Oswald Chambers writes, God begins to teach us:
“When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted desires, a broken friendship, or a new friendship — when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us.”
Most noteworthy, Brian exhorts, when you go to battle, never go without the favor of the Lord. However, so many Christians only avail themselves of their own strength to operate their lives. In contrast, when David faced Goliath, he went into battle with nothing but the favor of God. Thus, David understood that the Lord’s favor bested wearing the best worldly armor.
In conclusion, when you charge confidently into battle with the full body shield of God, even the best the world has to offer falls far short.
Today’s question: What core truth do you believe about how the world works? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Earthly problems with spiritual causes”
