The Center Of God’s Grace

“The Center Of God’s Grace” – thus reads the “location” description for my profile on an internet forum I infest. It was chosen because that is where I strive to live. Right smack dab in the middle of His will for my life. Unfortunately at times I stray for a bit, but as soon as I realize it back to home I run.

It has been stated that “the center of God’s will is the safest place to be.” and I wholeheartedly agree with this statement – with a couple of observations. “Safe” is a relative term. And the context of this statement indicates that if we are in the center of God’s will we will be safe – but His will is different from our own and His perspective is VASTLY different from our own. To many, “safe” implies good health, comfortable housing, plenty to eat and the ability to wander around to one’s heart’s content free from concerns of physical harm befalling one’s self. This view, however, is different from God’s view.

God takes a broader look at what “safe” means. He said that the way into heaven is “straight and narrow” and that “only a few find it”. Later, following the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, Peter was told “I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”. Peter was essentially being told “You’re going to go through some difficult physical times – follow me anyway and you will be OK.” You see, this world is temporary and the sufferings of the flesh are but a moment in time, brief, fleeting times which melt in significance in the light of the eternal splendor of glory that awaits those who are faithful to God’s calling in their earthly life.

Hebrews gives us another look at this concept. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” This is one of our favorite passages of scripture, where God lays down the best description of what faith is that exists anywhere. And yet, when we go on to read the rest of the eleventh chapter of Hebrews we see that faith did not guarantee to God’s faithful a life without struggle or sorrow or problems.

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:32-40

Yes, some folks have seen miraculous and joyous manifestations of God’s glory and His ability to rescue from difficult circumstances. And yet many more have stood firm in the face of persecution and suffering, stating along with Daniel’s companions, “…we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” That simple declaration sums up what it means to understand the saying, “There is no safer place to be than in the center of God’s will.” Their statement, “But even if He does not…we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold.” shows true faith. True faith isn’t based on temporary surcease of earthly suffering – it is based on trust that God will work in our lives and that we will have “a better resurrection” for having been true to Him.

Today is “International Day Of Prayer For The Persecuted Church”. Let us pray for those who’s faith leads them into desperate situations. But let us also pray for those who live in places where their comfort leads them to complacency. The second group are in far greater danger in the long run.