Lions in the Way

December 6, 2008 by

Journey to the Celestial City #24. In our continuing look at John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress,” today we find the man, Christian, having found his roll (in which the writings for his encouragement are contained), he sets out again on the journey. But it’s late, thus he’s overtaken by darkness. And though through the dimness Christian sees the Beautiful Palace and shoots straight towards it, the lions appear to confront him. They’ll do Christian no harm (though he doesn’t know that) as they are beholden by chains. And the trials of this life are held in our Lord’s hands and He describes their perimeters. Did you know that? The evil one has no power over us except that God allows it – and only for our good and training. “Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him.” (1 Peter 5:8-9a) “‘And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect whom He chose, He shortened the days.'” (Mark 13:20) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to “Pilgrim’s Progress Series” in the left sidebar.) pp 37-38

Filed Under: bible, blogger, christian, god, jesus, john bunyan, mother lode, pilgrim's progress, religion, sonora, spiritual, twain harte
About Pastor Mike

Pastor Mike is making the most of web technologies to encourage disciples. A self-proclaimed “twitterholic,” one twitter follower describes him as the “jogging, blogging, tweeting Pastor.” Visits to Pastor Mike’s blog (A Heart For God) number in the hundreds of thousands. His video blogs have been viewed over a half a million times.

Comments

  1. Sandy N. says
    January 3, 2009 at 8:02 pm

    This is a hard concept – that God allows the trials in our lives. I can handle frustration, redirection, disappointment, etc. to teach me and guide me, but utter devastation feels more like betrayal. At least it feels that way at first.

    God allowed my amazing 18 year old son to die as a result of hydroplaning on a rain-soaked highway while driving back to his college campus after a wonderful weekend at home. My son loved the Lord & lived a life infused with integrity. None of it made sense two years ago and it still makes no sense today.

    I do not believe God set out before the beginning of time for my son to die that day, but He did allow it to happen. Not for my benefit either. However, God knew that if we would trust Him and be obedient to His will, He could use this horrible tragedy to bring good. What Satan intended for evil, God will use for good IF we continue to trust in Him as the Redeemer of ALL things. Every day I look for what God is doing to redeem Jacob’s death. I don’t see evidence every day, but I get momentary glimpses of God’s glory being expressed here and there.

    Just some thoughts from a mother who has had that hungry lion come very close to camp and destroy some of her treasure that is now in Heaven.