Over 2000 years ago the Son of God emptied Himself (Phil. 2:6) of His glory (John 17:4ff) that He might be born in Bethlehem to Mary who was engaged to Joseph. Jesus placed His faith and trust in God though being God in human flesh.
Recently I (Todd) have read over parts of the story of Job and read the story of Joseph. These are two men with incredible faith. I have often prayed "in faith" against evil happenings and I think that sort of thing is exemplified in the Bible in such places as in the Psalms (91) and a few places in Acts and the epistles of the NT; however, what if Joseph and Job prayed those things. Was it that their faith was not strong enough to withhold satanic forces from bring evil on them? I don't believe so. Whether Joseph liked it or not, God was sending him to Egypt to save that part of the world because of a coming famine. Whether Job liked it or not, God allowed satan to test him because God knew in the end Job would come out more refined. I don't always know exactly how God can take evil and bring good out of it and I don't pretend to be able to make an incredible philosophical argument for the problem of evil. But I do know something: I desire that my faith increase, not faith that denies the existence of evil or is always asking that evil never "knock at my doorstep" but faith that cries out that even if evil comes upon me (in whatever sense) I can trust God that in His foreknowledge, providence, and predetermined design, He will certainly bring good out of it because I have been called and I do--because of His initiatives--love Him (Romans 8:28 "For God works all things to the good of those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose").
Jesus response to evil? "Father, if possible let this cup pass from me, but not my will but Yours be done." It was the evil--but rich grace--of the cross that brought me life. Let God empty you and trust Him as He does so. He will certainly bring life and goodness out of it because it is after all His sovereign divine plan.
3 comments:
Todd,
You and your journey the past couple of years is a testimony of what you've written here! Thank you for sharing! I cannot think of any peson more in the postion to write such an amazing post!
todd.. this was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the incredible entry. I am trying to remember to empty myself daily.... it's quite a process here as all your selfisheness and pride and such tends to come out when you are living in this pressure cooker of a life. But I am so blessed to know God's grace more and more and more. I love you brother and i am sooo proud of you. By the way.. i got you and michelle's package today adn I was sooo happy. It was perfect. I cannot tell you how exciting it is to see clothes, as I wear the same things over and over here since all my clothes got taken at the airpot. And the card and the commissioning letter made me cry.. it was really encouraging. i just love you guys soo much and I am so thankful for you.
Todd my man. You are awesome. I am so blessed you are my incredible husband. I really enjoyed that entry as that is what God is calling me to work on this next year. We can work on it together!
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