Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Being good, being faithful

Sunday, March 3, 2002

Romans 5:2-5
We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Jesus quoted more often from Deuteronomy than any other book, and in his desert confrontation with the devil used passages from chapters 6 and 8. In these heated conversations, Jesus turned away from untamed pride toward humility, and away from worry to teachable faith. He claimed God as his ultimate authority. And he pointed to the spiritual world as far more real and significant than the physical one.

Speaking today at Twin City Bible Church, Ravi Zacharias* quoted G.K. Chesterton, "Meaninglessness comes from being weary not of pain, but of pleasure." In fact Paul says that pain (or suffering) produces perseverance, which in turn produces character, which generates hope.

Mr. Zacharias used the life of Daniel to answer two questions, "What does a godly person look like?" and "Is it possible to experience complete fulfillment solely by following God's will?"

The three kings of Israel immediately preceding the days of Daniel were turned away from God by their "untamed passion, wanton use of power, and unteachable temperament." In contrast, Daniel became godly by training his appetites, tempering his knowledge of the world with spiritual wisdom, and choosing to walk helplessly into a lion's den believing only in God's strength. (Talk about teachable!)

Zacharias pointed out that the next three kings followed in the footsteps laid by Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. As they chose to become godly men, humility, spirituality and faith once again became benchmarks of a life well-lived.

Lord, I hope to hear your words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Give me direction to navigate through my own emotions, my own doubts, the meaninglessness I sometimes feel. Let me become humble, hungry for you, teachable.

*Ravi Zacharias has written several books, including Can Man Live Without God and Deliver Us From Evil. He spoke at Billy Graham's Amsterdam missionary conferences in 1983, 1986 and 2000. His two radio shows "Let My People Think" and "A Slice of Infinity," air weekly and daily around the world. Crowds overflowed Foellinger Hall to hear Mr. Zacharias at the U of I this weekend, and again on Sunday at TCBC.

Devotions Archive

Being good, being faithful

Sunday, March 3, 2002