… in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. — 2 Corinthians 2:11
Now consider what we covered yesterday within the context of the pastor’s world. Pastors have deeply buried lies implanted in them just like all the rest of us do. But unlike the rest of us, they have tremendous pressure placed on them to appear spiritual, whether they feel spiritual or not. So when their lies get triggered, they are under a great deal of pressure not to let that show. That’s fine with the enemy — in some ways, that’s to his advantage. He just keeps on triggering more and more lies, until the pressure inside becomes unbearable. How does he do that? Pretty simple. He just creates people problems in the church. He inspires money problems, attendance problems, whatever. Every day the temptation to find an escape becomes bigger and bigger.
(Hopefully, this gives us some wisdom on how to pray for our pastors.)
Usually all of this goes on without us even being aware of what’s happening inside. All we know is this: One day we’re cruising along and everything seems fine. The next day we are in the middle of a major mess and we can’t figure out how we got there.
This is why people with good marriages still have affairs. They’ve worked hard on their marriage, but the problem isn’t in the marriage. The problem is deeper than the marriage. The problem was there before the marriage started, and the marriage can’t cure it.
Where is God in all of this? Remember what Jesus said to Simon Peter? "Satan has desired to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you are converted, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:31)
God lets the enemy trigger us, sift us. And sometimes, He lets us fall flat on our faces, just like Peter did. Why? Because He needs to take away the time bombs in our brain. He needs to be our only solution. He wants to meet with us, just like He met with Peter later, on the Galileean shore. He wants to convert us, not just once to Him for salvation, but again and again where we need His healing truth and presence in our lives.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.