2 THESSALONIANS 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

TO PONDER

Here it is again, the same truth articulated in another place, addressed to different people, in a different context. In our case, the 7th time in one week!

But here's the thing, if the Bible repeats it so often then it must be important. And I think part of the reason is this - we need to hear and be reminded of this as often as possible when times are good and easy because when life is hard we seem to always forget it.

I suspect that most of us reading this will be familiar with the problem. We are often happy to praise God when life is easy and things are going according to our plans and we feel safe and secure. However, how quickly does that praise turn to complaint when things start going wrong?

Now don't get me wrong, God welcomes our laments and is certainly big enough to handle our criticisms and eh longs for us to come to him with our burdens and seek rest and refuge in Him. But often, just like it was with Job, the response we get from God (if we get one at all) is not what we want to hear. The God who loves and cares and protects us in the good times is the same God who loves and cares and protects us in the trouble also.

I remember my dad's long term on-again-off-again battle with cancer for over 15 years and some of the things he shared with me about his faith along that journey. He said here were often times that he asked God why things were the way they were. Why was cancer part of dad's journey? Why at that point in his life, approaching retirement and looking forward to spending more time visiting his kids and grandkids? But the one thing he never questioned was that God had things in hand - even if they didn't play out the way dad hoped, he was able to trust that God had it covered. That faith came from a lifetime of knowing and seeing God at work in both the good and the bad. Of regular church attendance and private devotional Bible reading that constantly reinforced the truth that God holds us in His hands and nothing can snatch us away from him.

So, maybe you are not in the midst of anything that feels like a spiritual battle at the moment. Perhaps life is smooth sailing and you are tempted to leave the armour of God in a wardrobe for when you need it later. Can I suggest that you don't forget about it - take time to keep it cleaned and polished and ready for use so that when the trials come you don't find yourself holding a rusted out suit of armour, ready to crumble at the first hurdle. Instead, take it out and wear it even on the good days. Polish it, maintain it when times are good so that you don't find yourself questioing God's faithfulness in the heat of the moment.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Please help me to be more aware of the ways you are at work in my life in every moment so that when hard times come my way, I can stand confident in the promises of your presence and deliverance. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle