by aginetha josephat | 26 December 2022 08:46 am12
God never intended for us to find a perfect earthly existence—a life completely free from danger, suffering, or wickedness. This is a profound truth every believer must embrace: this world, since the fall of Adam and Eve, remains fallen and corrupted (Genesis 3). It is not a place of ultimate peace but a battleground between good and evil, light and darkness (Ephesians 6:12).
The Reality of the Fallen World
From the moment sin entered creation, the entire cosmos was subjected to decay and hardship (Romans 8:20-22). We live in a world where evil and suffering coexist with God’s goodness. There is no geographical location, community, or environment completely free from trouble. Whether we move from place to place or change circumstances, we cannot escape the reality that the present age groans under the weight of sin and spiritual opposition (1 John 5:19).
God’s Sovereign Provision in the Midst of Trouble
The good news is not that God removes us from adversity, but that He faithfully sustains us through it. Psalm 23 beautifully expresses this truth. David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, declares:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:4-5 ESV)
Notice how God’s provision and protection are vividly depicted—not in a place of comfort free from conflict, but in the very presence of enemies. This speaks profoundly to the believer’s experience: God establishes us, feeds us, and protects us even when surrounded by opposition and spiritual warfare.
Theological Insight: God’s Kingdom “Already, But Not Yet”
This reality points to the “already, but not yet” tension of the Kingdom of God. While Christ has inaugurated God’s Kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection (Luke 17:21; Romans 14:17), the fullness of that Kingdom awaits consummation at His second coming (Revelation 21:1-4). Thus, believers live in the tension between present suffering and future glory, between spiritual warfare and ultimate victory.
Living Amidst Spiritual Opposition
Jesus Himself prayed for believers in John 17:15 (ESV):
“I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”
Christ’s desire is not that we withdraw from the world but that we remain in it under His protection, as witnesses and light (Matthew 5:14-16). The Apostle Paul similarly exhorts believers to “put on the whole armor of God” to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:11).
The Danger of Blaming Circumstances
Many Christians become discouraged by their surroundings and blame external factors for their spiritual stagnation. Yet Scripture calls us to a different posture: faithfulness and dependence on God regardless of circumstances. We must remember that no earthly situation is perfect. One place may lack witchcraft but be plagued with sickness; another may be wealthy but spiritually barren. The enemy’s influence is pervasive.
A Personal Revelation and Encouragement
I once had a dream in which I found myself trapped in a place controlled by evil forces. Despite my fear and attempts to escape, I could find no way out. Then I remembered God’s promises and chose to trust Him fully. Suddenly, I found peace and fellowship with other believers, and the presence of God filled the place as though we were in a sanctuary. This experience reminded me deeply of Psalm 23:5-6 (ESV):
“You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
This is the confidence we can hold: God’s goodness and mercy pursue us relentlessly, sustaining us in the darkest valleys.
Trust God’s Presence: No matter how hostile your environment feels, God is with you. His rod and staff protect and guide you.
Pray for Protection: Ask God to keep you from the evil one, not necessarily to remove you from your circumstances.
Stand Firm in Faith: Put on the armor of God daily and be a light in your world.
Rest in God’s Provision: Receive His peace, knowing He prepares a feast for you even where your enemies watch.
May you live in the confidence of God’s presence and provision. May His peace guard your heart, and may you dwell in His house forever.
Shalom.
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