GOD WINS

I was presented with the idea for this blog in a book I just finished reading, "Hitler's Cross" by Erwin Lutzer (Moody Press). More on the content of this book and its present day application in next week's blog.

Here is a quote from "Hitler's Cross", "Let us remember that God does not have to win in time in order to win in eternity". Satan often appears to be winning the battle for souls and worldviews on earth. Historically from our earthly perspective the church has suffered many failures and has even been destroyed where it once prospered. The church has experienced great times of success and revival but also many times of defeat and apostasy. But through all of these battles, God has never lost His Sovereign rule over Satan and mankind. What God has allowed has taken place and what God has ordained has taken place and God's Will will be fulfilled in the future. Ultimately God rules history.

However, God's Sovereign rule does not allow a fatalistic response on our part. We are called as Christians to spiritual battle, even unto death, in the name of Jesus. God holds His people responsible for the outcome of particular circumstances through prayer, and witness, and bold confession of Jesus as Lord. The results may not be successful from an earthly perspective but are a win for God and for us in eternity. Some outcomes may be changed for good and truth like Nineveh turning to God under the prophecy of Jonah. Our prayers and confession of Christ in this world do make a difference. But regardless of our confession or lack of confession, God wins for He is the Sovereign Lord over all creation. God invites us to participate in His Will. Our participation manifests the kingdom of God on earth. Our lack of participation does not prevent the ultimate manifestation of the kingdom of God on earth but impoverishes us and others spiritually and prevents us from glorifying God with our lives. God is always calling us to a deeper relationship with Him and a fuller service and knowing that God wins in the end is a great motivator.

I am very conscious in my relationship with others, whether I meet them once or regularly, that we will all one day consciously stand before God, remembering what was spoken between us, and my positive confession of Christ to them will weigh heavily in the presence of God. My present confession of Christ to unbelievers may be awkward and laughable and antiquated to those I speak with but knowing that God is Sovereign, God is the Judge of all men, and God's Will will be fulfilled helps me to speak with all seriousness lest I be the one embarrassed before the throne of the Sovereign ruler of all men. I speak and serve primarily because of His great Love for me and so my love for Him but knowing that God wins in the end, regardless of what the present circumstances seem to reflect, is an added motivator. May your love for God and your knowledge of God's Sovereign rule over all men spur you on this week to prayer, service and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord.