In a world where self gratification is in a tug of war with reality, a growing trend is emerging which is disappointing, but not unexpected. Like the old Steven Miller Band song, Christians are waiting for God to snap his fingers, to magically make all of life’s problems vanish from thin air. Instead of pulling a rabbit of a His hat, God has taken a back seat, allowing Satan to temporarily be the ruler of the air, Ephesians 2:2.
Today’s white magic was foretold by the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 as the devil himself masquerades as an angel of light. I am not sure if the Hollywood rumors are true, yet some insiders claim that a few desperate for fame, power and success have sold their soul to the devil in return for what he offered Jesus in Matthew 4:8-9. Jesus went far out of his way to convince people in his day to avoid falling for this trick, Matthew 16:26. Unfortunately, the impatient seek alternative measures that include the dark side of life.
Rather than say Abracadabra, God’s ways are different from man’s plans or vision of life, Proverbs 19:21. Open from the beginning, the Lord seeks to move individuals, little by little, Exodus 23:30. Perhaps this may explain Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the desert prior to entering the Promised Land, as there weren’t mature or ready enough to handle success. Persuaded by humility, the Lord slowly brought his children along until the time was right, Ecclesiastes 3:11. May we all learn this difficult lesson as we seek to fulfill John 10:10 and Romans 12:2.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 