During Vs. After

Thank God that all trials eventually end. However, it is not the fact of the trial’s end (termination) that is the most meaningful end (outcome) of the trial. Far better than the reality of a trial’s ending is the manner in which it ends. Many verses which teach the temporary nature of trials also hint at or even boldly declare the blessed result that comes after.

First, the end of a trial brings welcome relief and abundant joy. “For He inflicts pain, and gives relief; He wounds, and His hands also heal” (Job 5:18). “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

Second, the end of a trial often brings restoration and renewal of blessing. Beginning with “You have tried us, O God,” the psalmist goes on to describe being refined as silver, being brought into a net, bearing an oppressive burden, having men riding over his head, and going through fire and water. Then he concludes, “Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance” (Psalm 66:10-12). Job had to endure much, but later there was the compassionate and merciful outcome of the Lord’s dealings (James 5:11).

Third, by God’s design, the end of a trial also brings measurable growth, maturity, and stability. “When [after] He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (I Peter 5:10).

Fourth, the end of a trial even brings glory to God that will last into eternity. "Now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith ... may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:6-7)

Really good things happen in the “after,” but the “during” is not so pretty. That’s just reality, reflecting God’s pattern of sanctification. Sometimes while deep in the “during,” we want to shine the same as we will in the “after.” We want to have all the maturity and all the answers now. We want to be able to process everything thoroughly so that we can respond with great depth and certainty. Of course, we can thank God for glimpses of truth and growth that He gives along the way. We can thank Him for moments of reprieve, for instances of refreshing truth, and for infusions of internal strength, all of which can happen in the “during.” Nevertheless, there is the reality that it is hard to process everything properly and formulate completely right ideas in the “during.” We don’t yet see the full picture. We are influenced by emotion and pain. We haven’t yet experienced the healing and completing stage. The work is God’s, and so is its timing, and we can’t finish it more quickly than God finishes it.

In the “during,” we must have patience. We must seek God and seek His truth. We should desire to take each step that God presents to us. In the meanwhile, however, we cannot be too hard on ourselves by expecting the fullness of the “after” while we are in the “during.” We do not yet have the fullness of joy and relief. We do not yet have the restoration and renewed blessing. We do not yet have the God-given completion, maturity, and stability that come in the “after.” We are not yet fully prepared to shine for His glory. This is not the time to boldly rush forward, to be the leader; this is the time to quietly submit and be pliable. We can strive for, desire, and pray for the effects of the “after.” Meanwhile, we must rest and be at peace in the “during,” even though it is uncomfortable and unsettled.

In the midst of our discouragement, we might think things will never get better. We might wait and wait, thinking the end will never come, but when we finally reach the “after,” God often does so much in such a short time that we are left amazed. In reality, He is working the entire time, but there is a tremendous impact in the conclusion, when He brings all things together. We must not despair in the ugliness of the “during,” because God can cause us to emerge into the “after” with far more benefit and with greater speed that we ever could have dreamed.

After a break of nearly two years, I am reviving my blog, at least for now. I became focused in different writing endeavors during COVID, and then my own battle with long COVID prevented me from resuming. While I remain deeply ensconced in that personal battle, it is a sign of some progress that I am even considering writing again. Much of the content will be shaped by my on-going trial, but I hope that what I share will be in keeping with the theme of the blog, which is that of pressing on to higher ground. That should be our goal, no matter where we currently are. Whether in weak immaturity, in temporary struggle, in comfortable stability, or even in spiritual strength, the goal should always be to proceed further than where we are. (Philippians 3:12-14)

There are many reasons for my resuming. Writing has historically been a venue through which God has enabled me to use my spiritual gifts, and I miss that. I personally need reminders of truth, and making the effort to prepare things to share with others is one of the best ways for me to focus on helpful truth. I trust that God will use my writing of His truth as a means of edifying others. Ultimately, I desire to bring glory to God, something that I trust will be accomplished by all of the above.

One reason, other than having no energy, that I have not done much writing lately is that I am keenly aware that I am in the “during.” I have deeply sensed my own weakness, my challenges in remembering and processing truth. The battles have been, and often continue to be, very fierce. I’m not at the refined gold, the peaceful fruits of righteousness, or the firm establishment and maturity. In the big picture, that will never be fully true in this life, but in my current context, I am especially aware that I am still waiting for that divine culminating work. So to some extent, sharing seems hypocritical and shaky, because I know how incomplete and inconsistent the lessons and truths are. But I believe that God prompted me, so if you choose to read my posts, I hope that you will allow me to fight for truth personally through this means, and I trust that God will use it to encourage your heart as well. I realize that my lessons might be imperfect and that I might not always remember them myself, but by God’s grace, it is my desire to pursue higher ground. So read if you wish, evaluate and filter with Scripture, and take for yourself what is helpful and true.

Biblical Perspective on Death

Dying is part of life.

Every human must face death, and there is no escaping it. Since the entering of sin into the world, death is an inevitable factor. “A time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). It is God Himself who has established this penalty. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die” (Hebrews 9:27). Sooner or later, every person will face death. “Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his son, saying, I go the way of all the earth” (1 Kings 2:1-2). The Bible even reveals the approximate time frame for most people. “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:10). A Christian does not have to inordinately fight death or refuse to accept it. Although medical advances are nice, some groups or efforts seem to refuse to accept the reality that every person will die of something.

God controls life and death.

God alone is the giver of life. “The earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them” (Nehemiah 9:6). God is the one who starts life, and God is the one who ends life. Ultimately this determination rests with a sovereign God. “The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6). Individuals can be assured that the time of their own death or that of a loved one is within the power and control of God; it is not a random twist of fate or a matter of chance. “My times are in thy hand” (Psalm 31:15). When death comes, it is the Creator of life who has determined when that life will end. “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away” (Job 1:21).

Sorrow is normal and elicits a human response.

There could be stoical people who reject emotion or others who want to be so unaffected by death that they don't express any sorrow. One biblical example might be misinterpreted to suggest such a detached reaction. When God predicted the death of Ezekiel’s wife, He instructed, “Behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke; yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead.” This, however, was not intended to be a standard response or practice. Ezekiel’s lack of mourning was a specific instruction designed to illustrate a focused truth of God for the people to whom Ezekiel was ministering. “Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign” (Ezekiel 24:16-17&24). The sign was effective because it was so unusual.

I did not locate any specific instructions in the Bible for mourning, but there do seem to be some commonly established procedures. A perusal of Scripture would show a variety of associated actions, including weeping, sackcloth, fasting, and similar outward displays of sorrow; at least the most common of these seem to be accepted and appropriate normal responses within society. In the Old Testament, there was apparently an official period of mourning. The common practice may have been seven days. (Ex. Saul in 1 Samuel 31:13, Jacob (family only) in Genesis 50:10). It appears to have been longer for important people. (Ex. Moses - 30 days in Deuteronomy 34:8; Aaron - 30 days in Numbers 20:29; Jacob - 40 days (public) in Genesis 50:3). After a death it was appropriate for decisions and business to be postponed for a space of time (Genesis 50:4, 2 Samuel 11:27). Part of the human experience that is common to all is that there are appropriate times for sorrow. “A time to weep... a time to mourn” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Jesus Himself was affected by the death of His cousin John and responded to the event. “When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart” (Matthew 14:13).

Peace is possible both before and after someone’s death.

When death is understood biblically, even with only the truths examined so far, it is possible to face or absorb death with a measure of peace. (This provision of peace increases with additional truth yet to be examined.) When Elijah was about to die, Elisha was repeatedly confronted by others who seemed disturbed at the impending event, but Elisha himself was at peace, even though he probably stood to lose the most. “And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace” (2 Kings 2:3&5). Before David lost his child, he was greatly burdened, but after his child actually died, David transitioned to a condition of peace. “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). Paul faced his own impending death with an acceptance and peaceful evaluation of his life. “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:6-7). The presence of genuine sorrow does not preclude an underlying realization of peace.

Comfort is possible, but must be chosen.

God is a God of comfort, and He gives comfort in every difficulty. Comfort is first of all a divine provision. “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation” (1 Corinthians 1:3-4). The verses in Ecclesiastes 3:2&4 that mention weeping and mourning also mention the opposites, which also exist and have appointed times when they are appropriate. Sorrow is not to last forever.

Comfort can be provided by another person and even by a change in life circumstances that provides other companionship to ease the pain regarding the person who has been lost. “And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebecca, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's death” (Genesis 24:67). Christians have the capacity to offer comfort to each other. God even supplies very appropriate words and a very appropriate topic that especially provides comfort, which is regarding the eternal state of believers. “Wherefore comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

There are people who do not choose to be comforted. This happened during the great national tragedy of the slaughter of infants in Israel. “In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not" (Matthew 2:18). The refusal to be comforted also happened to Jacob after he believed Joseph had been killed. “And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, for I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him” (Genesis 37:35). In Jacob’s case, his long-term sorrow caused difficulties for the rest of his family, ultimately threatening their livelihood, because his intense sorrow hindered his willingness to make necessary decisions. There appears to be danger in not accepting appropriate comfort after an appropriate space of time.

Sorrow cannot interfere with following God.

One possible danger is in allowing sorrow to so affect the life that it paralyzes one's service to God. “And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead” (Matthew 8:21-22). Faithfulness to God cannot be discarded because of sorrow.

Not all deaths are equal.

Humans long for what they call fairness. It doesn't seem right when someone is taken before his time. We have the idea that all deaths should be at the end of a prosperous and lengthy life and that no one should die at a young age. God, however, does not have the same plan for each individual. When Peter questioned John's future, “Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me” (John 21:22). Jesus presented the possibility that John's lifespan and death might be very different from Peter’s, which in fact it was. Indeed, God's plan was not the same for all the apostles, and it varied greatly even within the same family. James and John were brothers and both apostles included in Jesus’ inner circle; James died within a few years of this incident, but John lived to be an old man. It is believed that all of the other apostles were martyred sometime between the deaths of those two brothers.

In addition to timing and means of death, there is also variety in the impact on others. Not all deaths have equal impact. Some Israelites, like Moses and Aaron, were mourned by the entire nation for an extended period of time, while many others were mourned primarily by their own family alone. Dorcas was mourned by many because of the good deeds she had done for them (Acts 9:39). The extent of mourning might not be only because of what the person has done, but of the potential impact on those left behind. The widow who had lost her only son mourned deeply (Luke 7:12). At the other end of the spectrum, King Jehoram was so evil that no one mourned his death (2 Chronicles 21:19-20).

Not all sorrow is equal.

Quite logically, the extent of sorrow will vary depending on the relationship to the one who has passed. A closer relationship would tend to produce greater sorrow. A few relationships seem to be especially troubling. Losing a child is difficult, especially when that is an only child. “And they shall mourn for him, as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born” (Zechariah 12:10). The loss of a mother also seems to be of particular significance. “I bowed down heavily, as one that mournest for his mother” (Psalm 35:14). This may not be a comprehensive list, and these are clearly generalizations that could vary between individuals, but they would seem to largely hold true for much of society.

Death is not the end.

The primary hope and comfort for Christians is in knowing that physical death is more of a beginning than an end. When a Christian leaves this earth, he immediately enters the presence of God. “Willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Physical death is merely the steppingstone to eternal life, and separation from people is traded for union with God. “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Job 19:26).

This eternal life with God is incredibly superior to life on this earth. Those in God's presence cease experiencing the pain and sorrow of earth. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4). The change is so dramatic and so freeing from the defilement of this world that death is actually a victory for the Christian. “The dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:52-54). It is no wonder then that Paul could say, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

These truths about the eternal blissful state of union with God are what give hope to a Christian when he faces death or loss. “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). There is earthly sorrow, but it is sorrow tempered by and actually swallowed up by hope.

Reunions will happen.

Even when Christians say goodbye on this earth, it is not truly goodbye. It is only a temporary absence. David had hope of seeing his child again. “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Samuel 12:23). We will be reunited with those who have gone before us, and this reunion is amazing in the fact that it will never end. We will be together in heaven forever. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

God has a perspective regarding death.

God does not want anyone to die without Him, as this yields no positive result. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked” (Ezekiel 33:11). On the other hand, it is a beautiful thing to Him when someone who knows Him dies. God welcomes that person into His presence. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 72:14).

For humans, an event of death may seem to be the major picture, but for God, a death event is only part of the picture. Death is often a tool in the hand of God to accomplish even greater things. A Christian’s death can be used to inspire and encourage others and to point others toward God. Such was the case for Peter. “This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God” (John 21:19). This has often happened throughout history, such as in the case of the five missionaries killed in Ecuador, or in multiple other cases where a respected leader has died, and others have arisen to fill the hole that is left. Just as God works through other life experiences and trials, God also works through sorrow and death to strengthen the faith of His children and to draw others to Himself. “Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent you may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him” (John 11:14-15). When a Christian dies, God is certainly using that to accomplish His purposes. This is not heartlessly using people or insensitively inflicting pain; rather, it is a means of bringing the positive results that Christians themselves would desire if they understood the full perspective.

The bottom line is that God is God. He is supreme, and He always knows and does the right thing to accomplish the right purposes. It is easy for people to think that their lives are their own, and this mindset underlies any wrong thinking or sense of unfairness regarding death. In reality, everything in our lives from beginning to end should be for our Savior. “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8). This perspective allows us to accept God's plan whether or not it makes sense or seems right to us.

Earth-Shattering Quotations

Sometimes someone says something that changes history or that recognizes a new era. At times these speakers led and changed public opinion, and at times they were simply aware of the reality of what was happening. They were in the right position at the right moment in time to make statements of phenomenal import. These quotations are insightful, bold, defining, trend-setting, sobering, foreboding, inspiring, exciting, motivational. Consider these few examples.

"Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine our selves together." (William Bradford)

"That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent states; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." (Richard Henry Lee)

"In my opinion, [slavery agitation] will not cease, until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed." (Abraham Lincoln)

"I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire." (Franklin D. Roosevelt)

"I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth." (John F. Kennedy)

These quotations by men mark pivotal moments in American history: the establishment of a colony by the Pilgrims, the movement for independence from Britain, the impending threat of civil war, the entry into World War II, and the initiation of serious space exploration. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be there and hear those words? To realize the implication of what they meant? To realize that life would change irrevocably after that moment?

There are quotations by men in the Bible which also note monumental events. I recently read two that are absolutely staggering in terms of impact. These were watershed moments - unexpected realizations of something that had long been awaited or that had never been anticipated.

Situation #1: The Jews were under Roman bondage. Many had returned to their homeland, but their kingdom had been destroyed hundreds of years before. The Jews had lived in slavery, separated from their country, facing difficulty and sometimes the threat of destruction. Their religious practice, their self-government, and their culture were all impacted. They faced oppression and restrictions, they lived with some level of fear and uncertainty, and their native tongue was no longer their primary language.

In these difficult circumstances, there were some Jews who had hope. They studied the Scriptures, and they found numerous prophecies of a coming redeemer. They believed a day was coming when their culture, worship, and nation would be restored to its former glory. The history of the Jews is filled with waiting. So they waited. They had waited so long that it may have seemed that the deliverer would never come. How many generations had come and gone without seeing the answer? There was no imminent expectation that their own generation would be any different.

Then one day a man named Andrew was out with his leader, John. John preached repentance. John spoke of hope. John pointed out a Man as special. Andrew and his friend followed the Man. They listened to His teaching. They formed their conclusions. Andrew went to his brother Peter and spoke these words: "We have found the Messiah" (John 1:41).

Can you imagine hearing that message? For centuries, millennia even, Jews had waited. They had hoped. They had died without seeing the answer. Now - NOW - here - in their lifetimes - the answer had come! The Messiah was here! They had found Him! Everything was different!

Situation #2: Jesus had lived, died, risen again, and returned to heaven. The church of believing Jews was growing astronomically. People were being saved by the thousands. Churches were being formed. People were being taught. They were loving and helping each other. They were even experiencing persecution.

All of this meant that salvation had come. The Truth had come. Many had accepted the Truth and were following Him faithfully. The Jews who believed now had a new identity, a new unity, a new purpose. They now understood what had previously been hidden to them. Their partial knowledge had turned to fuller comprehension. To be a Christian was to be an enlightened and believing Jew.

Then chaos threatened. Peter, one of the apostles, went to a family of the Gentiles and preached the gospel to them. He baptized them as followers of the Messiah. In essence, he was treating them as members of the church. This did not sit well with the other Jewish leaders. They demanded an explanation. Peter explained God's very clear leading and the evidence that God was extending the Truth to people outside the Jewish race. The early church leaders responded: "Well then, God has granted to the Gentiles also the repentance that leads to life" (Acts 11:18).

What a statement! Who would have anticipated that God would extend salvation outside the Jewish nation? The Jews had always been His chosen people. The other nations had always been pagans - rejected, godless, ignorant. By all indications, they were under God's wrath. But now He was extending salvation to them! They were welcome to believe the Gospel and follow God! From that day forward, everything has changed for those who were formerly condemned and without hope. We were included! We can be redeemed!

Glory to God for creating earth-shattering moments and for allowing men to recognize them! Praise to God for the wonderful truth He has freely given! Thank God for including us in His eternal plan!

Prosperity Gospel Meets Real Life

What is Christianity supposed to look like? Some teach a "prosperity gospel," the idea that a Christian's life should be externally successful - free from suffering, illness, or debt. Others reject this on biblical grounds, but still believe a spiritualized prosperity gospel. Instead of "health and wealth" in a physical or material sense, they expect spiritual, mental, and emotional prosperity. They expect their spirit to remain calm, strong, and in control regardless of obstacles. They want to proceed smoothly on a pretty continuous basis, without being stretched beyond their internal limitations.

The Bible challenges believers to strive for internal stability. Probably this expectation is the ideal of victorious, mature Christianity (Galatians 5:22-23). Because all Christians are human, however, and live in frail bodies on a fallen planet, all Christians experience trouble (Psalm 34:19). All trials are not identical. Some trials are primarily external - Joseph unfairly thrown into prison or Job with an intense illness. Some trials are primarily internal - Paul's burden of caring for all the churches or Abraham waiting for decades to see God's promise. Trials that are external create internal challenges; Job (one of the most godly men ever) is a prime example. It can be hard to separate these. 

Consider the ongoing pandemic. A Christian's situation may be reasonably stable in the midst of all the chaos. His family is fine. His health is fine. His job is fine. His finances are fine. Even in that "fine" condition, this person would probably say it has been and continues to be a difficult year.

Even someone who is doing fine externally in these crazy days has related internal challenges. The "big" things are okay, but the external creates constant pressures and ramifications that affect the internal. If the external isn't okay - a parent is very sick with the virus, his job is about to be shut down, he can't pay his rent - the internal challenges are even greater. Both of these men may desire spiritualized prosperity - internal calmness and control. Probably neither of them is fully experiencing that.

Some of the issue is lack of spiritual maturity. Probably both men should grow and learn to respond better. On the other hand, it is important to remember that "life is hard" doesn't always mean something primarily external. Sometimes "life is hard" means mental and emotional struggles, even spiritual battles (II Corinthians 4:8). Satan has a diverse bag of tricks, and Christians are constantly beset by spiritual attacks (I Peter 5:8). The expectation of constant spiritualized prosperity is just as vulnerable as the expectation of constant physical prosperity.

Internal battles should be treated much the same way as external battles. (Yes, there is a distinction because some internal battles are clearly sin or maturity issues, but we don't always know where that distinction lies, nor does the existence of a spiritual issue negate the fact that Satan wants to use it for his purposes. The thrust of this post is not to deny legitimate spiritual issues, but rather to consider that some trials are internal by nature.)

Saying the right thing is important. In external trials, it can be relatively easy to say, "I know that God is in control" or "Life is really hard right now, but I choose to trust God." These are also the appropriate things to say in internal trials. When faced with difficult internal struggles, the humble response of yielding is just as important as in external struggles. It is still right to say, "God is good and right, and I will submit to His plan." (I Peter 5:6; Psalm 119:68, Psalm 27:14, Psalm 31:14-15)

Doing the right thing is also important (Job 6:10). Whether the trial is external or internal, some responses are essential. Reading the Bible more. Praying more fervently. Staying in church as much as possible. Having spiritual conversations with other Christians. Avoiding temptations.

For either type of problem, endurance is needed (Hebrews 10:35-36). One foot in front of the other. One more step. One more day. Faithfulness for as long as it takes. Not quitting.

For either type of problem, faith is needed (Hebrews 11:6). The fact that there are internal pressures does not mean that someone is not pleasing God. They actually provide a way to please God by maintaining faith in Him.

Difficult seasons of life can be like a treacherous swamp. The Christian finds himself with danger on every side, as far as his eye can see. Quicksand, miry mud, hidden roots, dangerous hanging branches, threatening weather, approaching darkness, wild animals, physical injury. As he lies helpless, a Guide comes to him and says, "There is a safe place outside this swamp, and I know how to get there." The poor man exercises faith. He trusts his Guide. He says to himself, "I believe there is an exit. I believe the Guide can safely take me there." Then he simply follows. One step at a time, he keeps walking. He may walk for hours or days without seeing the exit. He may be only one step away from the exit and might still remain unable to see it. No matter how impossible it seems to keep going, he simply trusts and takes the next step. And one day it ends, and he is safe.

In internal struggles as well as external, the suffering believer needs to just keep doing the right thing. Keep having faith in God. Keep humbly submitting. Keep acknowledging God's goodness. Keep leaning on God. Difficult internal struggles don't mean "this isn't the way the Christian life is supposed to be" any more than difficult external struggles do. They do mean that the spiritual battle is real. They do provide opportunities for growth. They do call for obedience, endurance, and faith.

Internal battles should end in some level of victory and growth, in which the believer is better prepared for the next one. But there will be a next one, because internal struggles are a common part of the Christian life. (I Corinthians 10:13)