Pardon this bizarre discussion, but it has exposed a VERY IMPORTANT TRUTH!
Recently, a friend was exposed to a terrifying situation, leaving her emotionally and spiritually shaken. Why, God? What was the purpose of this horrific experience? Despite the peace that steadied her in the moment, there were still unanswered questions?
On reflection, a startling revelation hit me. Let me explain.
I love forensics. I have been wired to enjoy unravelling situations to get to the bottom of the puzzle. Hence my interest in TV programmes that do just that….Forensic Investigations, Air Crash Investigations, Extreme Makeover, Home Edition…even maths at school…unravelling mysteries… these are the fascinating stories that I love to watch.
So, a situation like my friend endured, to me is a spiritual situation that needs unravelling.
How often, during a forensic investigation, the puzzle needs the deeper examination of a body to find the real cause of death. The body must be exhumed for further examination. In an air crash investigation, no stone is left unturned to find out not only what happened but why it happened. Only in this way can flying be made safer.
So, in the mystery of suffering, the Holy Spirit helps us to dig deeper to find answers that, most important, help us to understand what the Lord is doing in these unusually tough experiences.
What is it, deep inside us, that needs investigation? Let’s read the Bible’s diagnosis of the rottenness of the human heart.
Isaiah 64:6 NLT
[6] “We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall, and our sins sweep us away like the wind.”
Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
[9] “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?”
Romans 7:18-19 NLT
[18] “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. [19] I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.”
Trouble is, we have no idea what is inside of us, what evil we are capable of doing when the occasion arises. Only God knows!
Jeremiah 17:10 NLT
[10] But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”
Now, we are assured that, in the New Covenant, all our sin… past, present and future… has been forgiven. However, there are beliefs and attitudes buried deep inside us that need to be exposed so that we can be deeply cleansed from even the attitudes and motives that pollute us.
Like the forensic scientist who looks inside an exhumed corpse to find what is in there, so the Lord exposes us to life-and-death situations to bring to the surface what is hidden inside.
Wow! Can this mean that God allowed, even organised the terrible thing that happened to my friend? If He is sovereign in all our circumstances, does this mean that He will go to whatever lengths are necessary to bring to the surface what is inside us?
The real “me” is exposed when the chips are down. How true is the saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes!” Our “faith” may be nothing but wishful thinking until and when we are faced with a crisis.
The real issue is…how serious is God about our deepest thoughts and attitudes? If holiness is His uncompromising demand of us, without which we will never see Him, how far will He take us in suffering to open up our inner being to His light? You see, though He knows what is in us, we don’t.
How could Peter ever know how fearful and cowardly he was without the server test that brought these things to the surface? His bragging meant nothing when he was faced with possible arrest and death.
So, we are encouraged by these words…
Hebrews 12:5-11 NLT
[5] “And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. [6] For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” [7] As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? [8] If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. [9] Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? [10] For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, SO THAT WE MIGHT SHARE IN HIS HOLINESS. [11] No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.”
In the end, it’s all about being His sons and daughters in His forever family, recreated in the image of Jesus, His perfect Son. So, even in extreme trials, we can trust Him and thank Him because He is preparing us for our eternity with Him. Be glad when God exposes hidden evil. Give thanks in all circumstances. God is preparing a bride for His Son, pure and without spot or blemish.