God, Me, and Us – Part IIVoorbeeld

It’s About Who You Stand Before

Embracing Jesus Christ as our Savior invites, paradoxically, an escalation in spiritual challenges. This intensification isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It is a testament to our commitment to righteousness.

Consider Joshua, the high priest, a figure of piety and dedication. Even he was accused by Satan himself. This scene unfolds in the presence of the angel of the Lord, believed by many to be the pre-incarnate Christ. Our spiritual confrontations aren’t merely personal; they’re cosmic in scale.

We must understand the nature of the accusations we face. Accusations often come draped in lies, aiming to blanket us with guilt and doubt. They whisper, “You’re inadequate, unworthy, not enough.” These aren’t calls to repentance. They are weapons of condemnation designed to paralyze, rather than prompt growth.

Satan’s tactics are well-documented. He lies, blinds minds, disguises himself, and even attempts to choke out faith. His approach is subtle yet pervasive, aiming to distort our perception of truth and ourselves. The critical lesson here is recognizing the difference between godly conviction, which leads us to repentance and deeper communion with God, and satanic condemnation, which seeks to alienate and destroy.

But here’s a powerful truth to counter these accusations: “Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This verse doesn’t promise the charges will stop. Instead, it empowers us to see through them, understanding their source and intent.

Beyond recognizing the nature of these accusations, our challenge is how we respond to them. It’s crucial to pause and reflect when misunderstandings and conflicts arise, especially in close relationships like marriage. Is this conflict a natural disagreement, or are external, evil forces at play?

Like Joshua, what matters is not who stands beside us — friends, family, or foes — but who we stand before: God. We are constantly before God, under His watchful and loving eye. God intervenes, rebuking Satan. This intervention symbolizes our victory in Christ, a reminder that we, too, are snatched from the fire, chosen, and beloved. No matter how vehement, God’s grace nullifies the accusations hurled at us.

Let’s hold fast to this truth: We are in God’s presence of God, empowered to overcome accusations. Let’s challenge ourselves to discern the source of our doubts and fears, and in doing so, deepen our reliance on and relationship with God. Remember, the greatest battles are often fought in the quiet chambers of our hearts, where truth and lies wrestle. Stand firm in the truth that you are chosen, loved, and defended by God Himself.