Today's Word of Encouragement (10/8/2020)

One more point about why we should not censure ourselves too harshly and the final truth to remember in times of temptation:

“19.d. Do not conclude that you shall never enjoy any comfort again. Such a conclusion runs contrary to the promises of mercy God has made to penitent sinners (Jer. 3:12-14), as well as to many men in Scripture such as David and Peter, whom God comforted after they fell and honored with renewed service. Remember the promise the Lord made to repenting Israel in Zephaniah 3:19-20: ‘Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,’ says the LORD’ (KJV substituted with ESV). [Notice to whom God gave this promise: to those who were oppressed (“I will deal with all your oppressors”), those who were “the lame and... the outcast,” those who were covered with shame (“I will change their shame...”). God promised to deal with their oppressors, change their shame into praise and renown, to gather them together, and to make them renowned and praise among all the peoples. Of course, God would do this “at that time”—that is, when Christ would come in the fullness of time (Gal. 4:4) to save sinners. His promise of restoration is real. Whenever a sinner returns to God in faith and repentance, He is fully restored to God, who restores to him the joy of salvation. He may still experience humiliation in this life due to his sin, especially if it is public and gross in nature. But when Jesus returns, even that will be done away with and he will be exalted with Jesus by the merit of His righteousness and goodness.]

“20.    Finally, draw comfort from the truth that in his every attempt to force the Lord to cast you off, Satan is ‘kicking against the goads’ (Zech. 3:1-5). Satan cannot hurt you or trip you because the keeping power of the King of kings is incontestable. The Lord will either keep you from falling or restore you if you fall, for it is His name to do so.” (The Bible is replete with examples of Satan’s schemes and temptations exploited by God to serve His good will in the end. Think of Satan's affliction of Job, the religious leaders who opposed and persecuted Jesus, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus, to name a few. He who is in us is far greater than he who is in the world [1 John 4:4]; “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand” [John 10:29]. Christ’s love for us is so great that nothing can separate us from His love [Rom. 8:35]. Let this truth compel you to abide in Jesus always.

Have a blessed day!