“I think much of the testing and the Falling Away takes place very subtly in the heart. It’s the small turns from God toward our other comforters, the quiet feelings of being disgruntled with him, the early stages of Desolation — this is how much of the testing plays out. But it has momentum like an avalanche.”- John Eldredge
“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (NIV)
In Chapter 5 (“Unconverted Places”) of Resilient, John Eldredge observes that survival situations bring out the best and the worst in people. Therefore, when circumstances or people truly press hard, that reveals our character, loves, and amount of trust in God. Pressure brings it all to the surface.
However, most of the time what comes to the surface we try to keep hidden from others. In addition, we need to bring those pockets of resistance to Christ before they prove our downfall.
Above all, the goal of God’s work in us centers on Jesus taking up residence in every part of us. Therefore, nothing’s left out. And no little pockets of resistance remain. So, in our own times of severe testing, we must desire that God make us holy in every way.
Walter Hooper, personal secretary of C. S. Lewis, once described the Oxford professor as the most thoroughly converted man he ever met. As a result, John asks, does your heart agree with that label? Do you aim to become the most converted person your friends and family know?
Because the battle taking place over the human heart often plays out in thousands of small, daily choices. Thus, John exhorts, we want to develop single-heartedness before the severe testing comes. We need Jesus to take our hearts captive!
Today’s question: What Bible verses help counter the small turns away from God? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Stained glass – beautiful in brokenness”
