Memorizing God’s Word

What would you do if your doctor told you that you were going blind? It would probably take a while, but he assured you that, within ten years time, you would not be able to see at all. What is of such importance to you that you would want its image pressed indelibly upon your mind when your sight was gone?  What would you want to be able to carry with you through the coming dark years?

 Or, suppose you knew that, because of your stand for the Lord Jesus, it was simply a matter of time before you would be torn from your loved ones and thrown into a cold, dark prison cell.  What would you do if you knew you would soon be facing intense persecution, even torture, for your faith?  How would you prepare for such a prospect? What would you do to ensure that you could withstand the pressure?

 

It is a fact of life that hard times will come. Even if you are spared a major crisis, all of us face daily struggles, temptations, and failures.  What are we doing to prepare for them?   Sadly, Christians often spend their time on many things other than equipping for future hardships.  They spend their time watching television and playing computer and video games.  Their energy is spent pursuing the things of this world, money, possessions, and success.  While these things may not necessarily be wrong, what good will such pursuits offer when the hard times come?  We never know when, like Job, all of these things could be swept away.  It is imperative therefore that we prepare for the future in a more concrete way.  I would like to suggest that we prepare to face future difficulties by memorizing Scripture.

 

Memorize Scripture?!  Yes!  Although we know that we should memorize God’s Word, we come up with a host of excuses for not doing so.  We say things like, “Me, memorize Scripture?  I can’t memorize anything! I have such a terrible memory!”  Or, ”Memorize Scripture?  You should see my schedule! I don’t have time for one more thing.  How could I possibly add Scripture memory to my already packed life?” Or, ”I don’t want to memorize.  I have worked hard on so many things for so long.  I’m tired and just don’t want to do it.” 

 

No matter what our excuses may be, we must realize that God actually commands us to memorize His Word.

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

 

Deuteronomy 6:6 “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:”

 

Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:”

 

Proverbs 7:1-3 “My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.”

 

Colossians 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”

 

If we fail to memorize Scripture, we are disobeying our Lord. 

 

One practical help in obeying God’s command in this area is to follow a Scripture memory plan.  There are a number of plans available.  One that I am finding helpful is Evangelist Ron Hood’s Memory Plan (as given in his book, How to Successfully Memorize and Review Scripture).  The basic steps are as follows:

1. Compile a list of verses that you would like to memorize.  (These can be verses you need to memorize for a Bible class or Sunday School or simply some of your favorites.  You can even use this plan to commit whole chapters to memory.  I’m currently working on the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7.)
2. Choose a verse from your list and write it on one side of a 3×5 card (or whatever size card you prefer).  Write the date on the back side of the card.
3. Memorize your verse.  On day one, go over your verse 25 times (tally marks on scrap paper help you keep track) and then write 25 on the back of your card.  On day two, write out a new verse card, saying it 25 times, and then review the previous day’s verse 20 times, writing the number 20 on the back when you are finished.  Follow this procedure for five days, adding a new verse each day while reviewing the previous day’s verse 5 times less each day. 
4. Review your verses.  Once you have gone all the way through this procedure with a particular verse card, you will then move it to a daily review stack, saying the verse only once each day for 45 days.  After that, you move the card to a weekly review stack and go over it once a week for 7 weeks.  Finally, place it in a monthly review stack and review it once a month thereafter.  Of course, in the event that you find you can no longer say a verse word-perfectly, move it back to your daily review stack until it is mastered.  

This procedure may sound complicated, but the main idea is to constantly review the verses that you memorize.  Instead of just memorizing a verse temporarily (to pass an exam or win a contest, for example), through constant, systematic review you will be permanently ingraining God’s Word into your heart and mind.

 

Whatever memory plan you choose to follow, be aware that there are numerous methods you can use while memorizing.  Repeating the verse multiple times is not the only method available to you.  In his book What was that verse again?, Ben E. Johnson outlines a number of memory systems.  Two that I thought were particularly helpful are “The Imagination and Exaggeration System” and “The Stacking and Yoking System.”  

• The Imagination and Exaggeration System   Following this system, you use your imagination to visualize an exaggerated picture of the verse you are attempting to memorize.  For example, in Matthew 7:15 I would do the following: 

“Beware of false prophets” – I imagine a gnarly, old prophet with an evil face.  A big WARNING sign is flashing over his head.  “Which come to you in sheep’s clothing” — now I imagine that same prophet dressed up in a huge sheep costume.  “But inwardly they are ravening wolves” — I imagine that I can see through the costume into the prophet’s heart to a snapping, snarling wolf. 

It may seem a little silly, but imagining an exaggerated picture like this will give you something upon which to hang the words of the verse.

• The Stacking and Yoking System  In this system, you visualize how each part of the verse is yoked to (touching, connected to) or stacked on top of the next element of the verse.  This works especially well for lists. 

Take the Beatitudes for example.  It can be difficult to keep all eight characteristics of blessed people in the right order!  Using this system you would visualize an exaggerated picture of eight people acting out these characteristics. (eg. Imagine someone dressed in the tattered garments of a poor, destitute beggar ["Blessed are the poor in spirit"].  Next to him is a weeping man attempting to dry his eyes with the beggar’s rags ["Blessed are they that mourn"].  And so on.)

Visualizing  how each element in a list could connect with the next helps you to keep things in order.       

 These are just a few of a vast array of Scripture memory ideas and resources available to help us store God’s Word in our hearts for future use.  With so many helps offered to us, we really have no excuse for not memorizing God’s Word!

God has promised us many blessings, for both the present and for the future, if we will obey His command to memorize and meditate on His Word.  One such blessing is success. 

Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

Psalm 1:3 [to the man who delights in God’s law and meditates on it day and night] “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The success that comes as a result of memorizing and meditating upon God’s Word is evidenced in the life of the Arnold Pent family.  You can read their story, related by Arnold Pent III, in the book Ten P’s in a Pod.  This remarkable family traveled all over the US and Canada, preaching, singing, playing music, and quoting Scripture. One of the most wonderful things about this family was their knowledge of the Word of God. The oldest son, David, had the entire NT and much of the OT memorized.  In fact, the whole family had large portions of Scripture committed to memory.  How did they do it?  Their secret was to spend thousands of hours in the Word of God.  This is how it worked in their family.  Everyday the children who were between the ages of 6 and 11 spent half an hour in private Bible reading.  From ages 11-21 this time was increased to 1 hour each day.   In addition to their private reading, after each meal the whole family spent 30 minutes together in family devotions.  If you add to this the time they spent in church and outside Bible Studies, each child spent 22,060 hours with the Bible from birth to age 21!  As one son said, “We would all have to be mighty dumb not to know a little something from this book” (Pent, 81).  As a result of their memorization and meditation on God’s Word, this family has enjoyed good success.  They had a fruitful ministry as the children were growing up and they are still enjoying prosperous businesses and ministries to this day.

Another blessing that memorizing Scripture will bring is the ability to resist temptation.  As the Psalmist said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11).  Having specific statements from God’s Word ready at our disposal equips us to stand firm in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:17). 

Memorizing God’s Word also gives us power in prayer.  If we have His Words memorized, we will be able to pray them back to Him.  God promises in John 15:7 “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Finally, memorizing Scripture will ensure that God’s Word is always with us, even if a Bible is not available.  The hypothetical situations at the beginning of this article actually happened in two individual’s lives.  The first, according to Evangelist Ron Hood, occured in the life of a young man named August Van Reign.  At age 24, this young man found out that he was going blind.  In the face of this trial, he purposed to use every free moment to memorize God’s Word. By age 35, he had memorized the entire NT (Hood, 11).

The second situation was true for a young Korean believer named Esther Ahn Kim.  In her book, If I Perish, Esther tells how she prepared for imprisonment and possible torture for her faith.  A large part of her preparation included memorizing hundreds of Bible verses.

 We never know when we might be placed in a similar situation.  What are we doing right now to prepare for the hard times that will come in the future?  We must hide God’s Word in our hearts!  No matter what memory plan or systems you use, let me encourage you to start memorizing Scripture today.  If you memorize just one verse each day, you could have 365 verses hidden in your heart by this time next year.  If you really work at it, you, like August Van Reign, could have entire NT (or equivalent number of verses) memorized 10 years from now!  May we, with God’s help, be diligent to memorize and meditate on His Word.  

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© Copyright 2008 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Set Your Heart to Seek the Lord

 by Vida Earnshaw

It has become my custom to choose a verse, theme, or spiritual goal at the beginning of a new year.  This year, January 1 dawned with the phrase “Set your heart to seek the Lord” ringing in my mind.  After a bit of searching, I found that the phrase was from I Chronicles 22:19, “set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God.”  I took this as the theme the Lord has for me this year–to be seeking Him with all my heart and soul. 

Now, these words sound very good, but what does it really mean to set my heart and soul to seek the Lord?  What will such a goal entail?  As I searched the Scriptures to discover more about this phrase, it became apparent that those who set their hearts to seek the Lord are determined to obey and please God, despite the cost. 

 Psalm 119:2, 10 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

When King Asa decided to seek the Lord, he tore down idols, destroying the places that were dedicated to their worship, and commanded his people to obey God’s law and commandments.

 2 Chronicles 14:2-5 And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God: For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: And commanded Judah to seek the LORD God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

By contrast, King Rehoboam “did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14).

Ezra 6:21 tells us that those who were seeking the LORD separated themselves “from the filthiness of the heathen of the land.”  This is commanded to God’s people today as well:

2 Cor. 6:16-7:1 …for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

 

Setting my heart to seek the Lord then is far more than a half-hearted desire to be in right relationship with the Lord.  It involves an all out eradication of sin and determination to obey God. 

 

This desire to seek the Lord does not occur naturally in the human heart.  Romans 3:10-18 says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.  They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”  Instead, we are by nature God’s enemies–born in sin and at war with God.  That is why Jesus died on the cross, to reconcile us to God! 

2 Corinthians 5:21  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (NASB)

Colossians 1:20-21 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled.

 

If you, dear reader, have not yet sought the Lord for salvation, He invites you to turn to Him for salvation and cleansing today.  

Isaiah 55:6-7 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 

Receiving salvation is the first step in seeking the Lord.  Oh, that after salvation the heart would continue on following hard after the Lord!  Sadly, many things tend to enter life that hinder the believer from wholeheartedly seeking God.  Idols of the heart are one such hindrance.  While we may not bow down before statues of wood or stone, posessions, activities, and people vie for the place of God in our hearts.  All such idols must be torn down and we must worship and serve God alone.  

Worldliness is another hindrance to seeking the Lord.  

I John 2:15-17 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Loving the world and being like it is such an easy trap into which to fall!  The pleasures of the world beckon us on every side—through television, radio, advertisements, catalogs, at the mall, even the grocery store.  Loving and seeking the things of this world keeps us from wholeheartedly seeking God. 

There are also many lawful things which can hinder us from seeking the Lord.  A lawful thing is something that is not expressly forbidden by Scripture, something that is not evil or sinful in and of itself.  This category could include entertainment choices, hobbies, food, clothing, etc.  While we have the liberty to enjoy lawful things, if a lawful thing keeps us from seeking the Lord it needs to be either cut back or completely expelled from our lives.  Dr. Mark Minnick brought to my attention a very helpful test by which to try such things.  The “Lawful Things Test” can be found in I Corinthians 6, 10. 

I Cor. 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient [profitable]: 

(Is this lawful thing profitable, or is it a waste of time? Does it profit me spiritually or cause me to lose ground?)

all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

(Is it mastering me?  Does it dictate my schedule?  Does it control my thoughts/responses?)

I Cor. 10:23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

(Does it edify others, build them up in the faith? Make them more like Christ? Or is my choice to participate in this lawful thing hindering others from seeking the Lord?)

I Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

(Does this lawful thing glorify God?  Does it make Him big in my eyes and the eyes of others? )

Determining what is hindering us from seeking God requires personal examination before the Lord.  Over the years, the Lord has been gracious to point out a number of such hindrances in my life.  One example comes from my high school days.  I have always enjoyed reading and used to have a particular fondness for novels (Christian fiction or classic works).  Every spare moment (as well as many that were not) was spent engrossed in a book.  Even when not reading, I was pondering the plot.  The stories were mastering my thoughts.  The Lord convicted me that novel reading needed to be pruned back in my life because I was meditating on these stories instead of His Word.  As a start, the Lord laid it on my heart to give up novel reading on Sundays, not because it was sinful or evil, but because reading the novel snatched the freshly planted Word of God out of my heart.  My reading choices, although lawful, needed to be pruned in order to leave my heart free to seek the Lord. 

Not only are there things we may need to lay aside in order to set our hearts to seek the Lord, there are also certain disciplines we must add.  Because our hearts do not naturally desire God, we must discipline ourselves to seek Him. 

I Timothy 4:7 discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.  (NASB) 

These disciplines include Bible reading and study, prayer, fasting, even journaling. 

Please understand that by speaking of giving up things and adding certain disciplines to our lives, I am not talking about legalism–this will not earn you merit with God–or having a ”holier than thou” attitude.  Consider an athlete training for the Olympics.  This athlete will give up many things (junk food, free time, anything that does not help him reach his goal) and follow a grueling regimen, all for a chance to make it to the games.  No one looks at that Olympic hopeful and thinks that he is too strict or legalistic.  He is going for the gold!  How much more should we as Christians do all that is necessary to seek the Lord?

I Cor. 9:24-27 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.  (NASB)

This new year, may we, by God’s grace, set our hearts to seek the Lord!

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© Copyright 2008 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Thankfulness

During this Thanksgiving season, it is sad that so many in our society are not truly thankful, either to God or others.  I came across some interesting answers to the question “To whom are you thankful?”

“To who will I be thankful? To everyone I know and love, as well as to myself. Just ‘thankful.’”

“Myself, I’ll be doing the cooking.”

“The Great Turkey”

(The above three quotes taken from Yahoo! Answers  http://sg.answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvUOO2_rntqpL9Zyg2FFTEQh4wt.;_ylv=3?qid=20071109145542AApIJQY)

“Well, that’s a tough one. It usually involves a higher power, but which higher power? There are just so many to choose from. The Christian God’s pretty popular here in North America. He might not be a bad place to start….” (From Be Thankful for What You Didn’t Get by Mike Jones – the Daily Texan on-line)

“Thankful for our prosperity? Well, yes. … But this is a thanks given to oneself—appropriately—for having been an industrious worker of usually moderate appetite.

“… Thankful for our freedom? Thankful to whom? … Ought we to be thankful for something that’s ours by right—that requires nothing of others except that they not impose their wills upon us by force?

“… Thankful for the love of our families and friends? I suppose so. Love is a thing given, to be sure. But love is also a thing earned. …

“I give thanks for natural law….” (from An Unappreciated Marvel by Francis W. Porretto, http://www.eternityroad.info/index.php/weblog/screeds/an_unappreciated_marvel/)

Statements like these are hard to fathom!  Absolutely everything we have–health, strength, daily sustenance, prosperity, liberty, love–comes from God.   

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

John 3:27 (John the Baptist speaking) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.

The Bible is replete with blessings for which we must give thanks to God. The following are just a few examples:

Salvation

2 Cor. 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable [indescribable] gift.

Col. 1:12-14 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Life, Breath

Job 12:10 In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.

Col. 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Acts 17:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being;

Daily provision

Matt. 5:45 … He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Psalm 136:26 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.  O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 145:9, 15-16 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. … The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.

His mercy

Psalm 107:1-2, 6, 8-9 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

 

[When the people would rebel against God and turn from His way, God would bring trials and troubles on them.]

 

Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

Psalm 118:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.

 

With all of these blessings, no matter what our situation, we cannot say we have nothing for which to be thankful.  Even trials and difficult situations are used by God for our good.  They serve to make us more like Christ.

Rom. 8:28-29 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

I Thes. 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

In addition to being thankful to God, we must also be thankful to others: to our parents, siblings, relatives, friends, pastors, teachers, even strangers.  Too often we are consumed with self and forget all that others invest in us.  Selfishness and pride hinder us from being thankful.

 

It is important to remember that simply being thankful is not sufficient.  We must also express our thankfulness.  If we do not say “Thank you!” people cannot be sure that we are thankful.  Think of the ten lepers in Luke 17.  After Jesus healed them, only one returned to express his thankfulness.  The other nine probably were thankful in their hearts, but because they did not return to say ”Thank you,” we view them as ungrateful. 

 

There are many ways to express our thankfulness: saying thank you, writing thank you notes, verbally recognizing others’ investment in our lives, speaking of ”all [God's] wondrous works.”  This Thanksgiving, may we each have hearts that are brimming over with thankfulness to God and others, for we will speak out of that which fills our hearts (Luke 6:45).        

Psalm 105:1-5 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth.

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Journaling

Several months ago my mom bought me a new journal.  I love the dark, rich scent of new leather that wafts out to greet me each time I open its cover!  I have been keeping a devotional journal for many years and am always excited to begin a new volume. 

Writing has long been one of my favorite pastimes.  My mom started me down this path as a little girl, just able to write.  She would buy me Hello Kitty pads and notebooks and encourage me to write things “just like they sound.”  I spent hours carefully filling these little books with stories of kitties, bunnies, and bears.  When I was eight years old I began keeping a diary, copiously filling it with daily events.  Around this same time, my mom helped me start my first devotional journal.  Each day she would give me a Bible verse to copy and instruct me to write (or draw) my prayer requests at the bottom of the page.  

For my sixteenth birthday, my dear friend Berta gave me a copy of Elizabeth Prentiss’ book Stepping Heavenward.  This story, written in the form of a journal, tells of a young woman’s journey towards Christ-likeness.  I was captivated.  How thrilling to see God’s hand in this woman’s life through her daily events!  Inspired by this story and a new journal given to me by one of my aunts, I soon began to record God’s working in my daily life. 

What an exciting process this has been!  Journaling has proved to be an impetus to spiritual growth for me.  It is a wonderful forum for meditating on Scripture with my pen.  When trials come, journaling helps me gain perspective.  I often pour out my heart to the Lord about the matters that are causing concern and then record the verses the Holy Spirit brings to mind.  This practice has brought such comfort and reassurance!  (And it helps me see when I’m overreacting to a problem.)  My journal also offers a degree of accountability as I write down follow-through to decisions, or the lack thereof. 

What a joy it is to leaf through my old journals on occasion and be reminded of God’s perfect faithfulness! God’s hand can, at times, be hard to trace in the midst of difficult circumstances.  My journals help me glimpse the bigger picture.   

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the works of thy hands” Psalm 143:5.

“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee….” Deuteronomy 8:2 

At the commencement of each new journal, it is exciting to see all the crisp, blank pages.  They represent the future, unwritten chapters of my life.  Journaling is a way to act as amanuensis, transcribing the unfolding of what my all-wise Author has ordained.

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Open Letter Regarding Halloween

This is my reply to a letter I recieved regarding my article Dabbling in the Occult.  I post it here for your consideration.   

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Dear Friend,

I appreciate your kindness in expressing concern over my article Dabbling in the Occult. I have spent the last number of days in prayer and Bible study, ransacking the Scriptures and the Internet for all I could find pertinent to the topic.

I agree with you that Halloween, with its focus on death and all manner of demonically inspired characters, is an especially good time to share the good news of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. It would be wrong to hide the Gospel from those who are lost and blinded to the truth by the god of this world. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:3-6).

However, we must be very careful not to embrace worldly means in our endeavor to spread the truth. For example, we would both agree, I believe, that using rock music with Christian words in order to reach the lost would be gross compromise. We would reference:

Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

2 Cor. 6:14-18 “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Would not these same principles apply to every means of evangelism? Evangelism is necessary, commanded by our Lord. However, should we evangelize the lost through participation in their celebration of a pagan holiday?

Now I must back up and explain that, yes, Halloween is indeed a pagan holiday. As I stated in my article, Halloween began with the Druids as the feast of Samhein. It was a three day event focused on worshiping pagan deities, appeasing evil spirits through sacrifices, communicating with the dead, etc. It was not until the 800s that Pope Boniface IV moved the Catholic holiday All Saint’s Day from May 13 to November 1. This was probably done to “Christianize” the pagan holiday. “Christianizing” pagan practices and holidays was a common practice of the Catholic church.

Allow me to share the perspective of several modern day pagans on Halloween. The first is Isaac Bonewits, author of several pagan books (about witches, Wicca, Druids). In his article The Real Origins of Halloween he writes,

“The Christian Church was unable to get the people to stop celebrating this holiday, so they simply sprinkled a little holy water on it and gave it new names, as they did with other Paleopagan holidays and customs. This was a form of calendrical imperialism, co- opting Paleopagan sacred times, as they had Paleopagan sacred places (most if not all of the great cathedrals of Europe were built on top of earlier Paleopagan shrines and sacred groves). So when Fundamentalists come to your local school board and try to get Halloween removed from the public schools because ‘it’s a Pagan holiday,’ they are perfectly correct. Of course, Valentine’s Day/Lupercalia, Easter/Eostre, and Christmas/Yule also have many Paleopagan elements associated with their dating and/or symbols, as the Jehovah’s Witnesses and others have pointed out for decades. So if we decide to rid the public schools of all holidays that have Pagan aspects to them, there won’t be many left for the kids to enjoy.”

Mr. Bonewits does not see the holiday as being evil. He and other neopagans celebrate by taking the kids trick-or-treating, handing out candy, having parties, and participating in divination. He also states “Halloween is a time to deepen our connection to the cycles of the seasons, to the generations that have come before us and those that will follow, and to the Gods and Goddesses we worship.” He claims that the evil symbols associated with Halloween (“ghosts, skeletons, black cats, ugly witches, demons, monsters, and Jack O’Lanterns”) are not really evil. “The ones that are negative were added by people opposed to the holiday.”

(It is actually very sad to read his articles. He and other pagans would say they are NOT worshiping the lord of death or Satan. They are simply worshiping ancient gods and goddesses. The poor man does not know how blinded he is! The worship of any false god is ultimately worshiping Satan. The Bible is clear that demons are behind all false gods that have been worshiped throughout history. 1 Cor. 10:20-21 “But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.” See also Lev. 17:7, Deut. 32:16-18, and Ps. 106:36-37)

The second perspective comes from a former witch (now born again) named Valerie Duffy. Berit Kjos in her 1999 article Halloween, a Seductive Bridge Between Two Worlds, writes,

“Valerie knows all too well why Neopagans love Halloween. The old Celtic “sabbat” is their main feast — a window of time when the walls between the physical and spiritual worlds supposedly become thin enough to allow easy crossovers. This was the time to catch up with one’s ancestors and other spirits from the underworld. But don’t think the Vigil of Samhain was just a fun holiday. The ‘Lord of the Dead’, Samhain himself, is no deity to laugh at. Valerie explains why:

‘On October 31, black-cloaked Druids bearing torches would go door to door to select humans for their New Year’s sacrifice to the Lord of the Dead. In return for the child or infant, they would leave a hollowed turnip with candle light shining through the carved face — a satanic counterfeit for the biblical Passover.

‘In the reveling that took place on that night to Samhain, the demons supposedly loosed for the night would pass over the homes ‘marked’ by the carved lantern. Those families had provided the required gift or sacrifice. Other homes could be hit — sometimes with sudden death.

‘The children selected for sacrifice were tossed into a bonfire. The Druids called it a bone-fire since only the bones were left. From the agonizing screams of the dying, the divining priests would foretell the future of the village.’”

It seems to be mostly Christians who do not see Halloween as a pagan holiday. Yes, there is, as you say, “nothing ‘inherently evil’ about dressing up in appropriate costumes, getting candy from neighbors and handing out candy to neighbors” any other time of the year, but, according to a former high priest of Wicca, Tom Sanguinet, at Halloween these fun customs unfortunately represent evil practices. He writes, “Trick or Treat is a reenactment of the Druidic practices. The candy has replaced the human sacrifices of old, but it is still an appeasement of those deceptive evil spirits. The traditional response to those who do not treat is to have a trick played on them. When you give out Halloween candy, you are, in essence providing a sacrifice to false gods. You are participating in idolatry.”

(I know this sounds rather extreme. I’m just telling how a former pagan who is now saved views the festivities.)

Oftentimes what one generation allows in moderation the next practices in excess. Halloween was not really celebrated in America until the late 1800s when the Irish came here as a result of the potato famine. The Puritans would not allow it before then. Gradually the holiday has been accepted and now participation is taken for granted, even in Christian circles. It is sobering to think that small areas of compromise in our lives today may result in major aberrations in future generations.

Well, what about Christmas and Easter? If we cut out Halloween, would not consistency demand the elimination of these holidays also? Honestly, I haven’t had time to research these yet. Yes, these holidays have pagan roots also, but to my currently un-researched way of thinking there is a big difference. While Christmas and Easter have major Christian emphases—the birth, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ—there is absolutely nothing Christian about Halloween.

As I researched the topic of Halloween, I came across articles representative of nearly every view on the subject. It is vital to go back to the authority of the Word of God. We know from Scripture that paganism, witchcraft, and the Occult are abominable to the Lord (Ex. 22:18, Lev. 19:26-31, Lev. 20:27, Deut. 18:10-14). God tells us to “come out from among them and be ye separate…touch not the unclean thing” (2 Cor. 6:17). Eph. 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

When Christians dress up in costumes along with everyone else on this day (even cute, innocent costumes) and go trick-or-treating, how does a non-Christian discern the difference? One pagan said that they liked Halloween so much because that was the time when Christians and pagans worshiped the same god. It appears to them that the Christian is celebrating Halloween just like them. The Bible says, “Only let your conversation [conduct, manner of living] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27a).

Yes, share the Gospel. Be out on the street talking, witnessing to neighbors you wouldn’t see otherwise. Take full advantage of their willingness to talk on that night. Yes, give a gospel witness and tracts to those who come knocking at your door. But wouldn’t it be better to do it un-costumed and without participating in the festivities in any way, so as not to give an uncertain picture?

I Thess. 5:21-22 “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.”

Dear friend, please know that if you do not agree with my conclusions, I will not think harshly of you.  I truly appreciate your questioning me on my article. It drove me to the Word of God, forced me to deepen my study, and further substantiate my convictions. I simply share these thoughts for your prayerful consideration.

 

Dearly,

Vida

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw

(Note: The first painting above is titled Graveyard Under Snow by Caspar David Friedrich.  The second is The Crystal Ball by John William Waterhouse.)

 

 

Dabbling in the Occult

 By Vida Earnshaw

In a little over a week our country will be celebrating Halloween. Kids everywhere will dress up in costumes ranging from cute little bunny rabbits to hideous monsters. There will be haunted houses, trick-or-treating, and more candy than one should eat in a life time! Is Halloween simply a fun, harmless time? Is it something in which Christians should freely participate?

What about the other things this season brings to mind: fortune telling, ghost stories, horoscopes, Harry Potter, Pokemon, witches, the occult? People have an innate fascination with such things, wanting to peer into mysterious, dark realms, tap into secret powers. As Christians, we must be careful to examine everything in light of the Word of God. Does the Bible have anything to say about this subject?

Indeed it does! Deuteronomy 18:10-14 “There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire [a practice in the worship of the idol Molech], or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer, For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.” God strictly prohibits involvement with the “dark arts.” This is not the only passage. 

Exodus 22:18 “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” 

Leviticus 19:26,31 “Thou shalt not eat anything with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times. Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”  

Leviticus 20:27 “A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”

God is very clear in His abhorrence and prohibition of such things! Yet our society is full of such sin. Sadly, many in the church have blindly embraced this wickedness also. We call it cute, innocent, harmless, and fun. We have made light of what God calls an abomination.

Take the Harry Potter books for example. These books are extremely popular.  At each new release, hundreds of kids all across the nation have stood in line for hours waiting to obtain their own copies.  Are these simply fun, fantasy books; intriguing stories that have encouraged many children to learn to love reading? Isn’t Harry Potter just another good vs. evil story?

Think about it for a moment.  The whole theme of this series is witches and witchcraft. The main character is studying to become a wizard. Granted, the author, R.K. Rowlings, presents Harry and his friends as good witches using good magic to fight against bad witches. However, is there really such a thing as a “good” witch? Not according to the Bible! (Remember Exodus 22:18?)

I read the testimony of a woman who was formerly involved in Wicca, studying to become a witch.  She said that those who join Wicca all want to be good witches, using their powers to fight against evil in the world.  It is not until their final initiation that they learn and have to accept the fact that there is no difference between good and bad witches.  They are all the same, all enslaved to the same master–Satan.  The claim that Harry Potter books are acceptable because they present a clear distinction between good and evil is a giant deception. 

Many say, “But these stories are just fantasy!”  Consider: Is it lawful to engage in sin through fantasy?  What about the sin of  adultery?  Is it acceptable to God to fantasize about committing adultery?  Jesus said, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).   God condemns sin at the heart level.  Why then do we think it okay to fantasize about witchcraft? 

Although many claim these books are fantasy stories, they are actually full of real occult teachings.  A man who was a former temple master in an occult order, writes “[The story of Harry Potter] is written and packaged to look like fantasy when, in truth, it is a carefully written true description of the training and work of an initiate in an occult order” (A Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Berit Kjos).   The elements introduced in these books may be slightly disguised and candy coated, but they are the real thing. A Christian, especially a child, has no business reading these books! 

(Doug Phillips, founder and president of the Vision Forum, has written some excellent articles on this subject.  Read them here and here.)

What about popular games like Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and other role-playing games?  These games and cartoons are not innocent, harmless fun.  The word Pokémon stands for pocket monster.  Players catch ”cute,” fuzzy little monsters and then collect cards which make the monsters grow and gain supernatural powers.  Soon they are pitting their monsters against others.  This game is full of occult teachings and opens children up to all kinds of evil.  Dr. David L. Brown writes, “Pokémon is designed to be a stepping stone to harder occult oriented games like ’Magic: the Gathering’ and ‘Dungeons and Dragons.’”  The cartoon and game Yu-Gi-Oh! is even worse.  (For more information read Yu-Gi-Oh, Who is Really Behind the Phenomenon?.)  Role-playing games simulate real occult teachings, rituals, and practices.  Players are just a step away from doing it for real.  A former Occultist said that Occult leaders attend gaming tournaments to scout out skilled players and entice them to ”do it for real.”  He said that when he did this, none of the players ever said ”No.” 

 What about horoscopes, psychic readers, fortune tellers?  The Bible forbids these too!  The Bible words for these things include divination, soothsaying, observer of times, necromancy.  We must not look to Satan for what the future holds.  Our times are in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15).  ”He performs what is appointed for me” (Job 23:14).  We must trust God and rest in His sovereignty. 

What about Halloween?  What is wrong with this “fun” holiday?  Consider its history.  Halloween originated with the ancient Druids as Samhein [pronounced sow--en], a feast to the lord of the dead, and  marked the beginning of their new year.  They believed that the spirits of all who died that past year would return to haunt the earth that night.  The Druids would offer human and animal sacrifices in a large bonfire (bone-fire) in an attempt to appease the spirits.  They went door to door to obtain these sacrifices.  Whoever gave a treat (sacrifice) would not be tricked (harmed by the evil spirits).  Jack-o-lanterns were used to scare away evil spirits, indicate which houses had given sacrifices, or to demonstrate to the Druids that a particular house was in sympathy with their cause and would willingly give them a sacrifice if they came there.  Halloween is still one of the Occult’s high holy days.  Christians should have no part in it!  Ephesians 5:8,10-11 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:… Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” 

Instead of celebrating the day, Christians should use Halloween as a special time of prayer, intense spiritual warfare.  Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  We should pray for protection for those out trick-or-treating  (Occultists use Halloween as a major recruiting time.), and for the salvation of those who are blinded by Satan and held captive by him to do his will. 

(For further study on this subject read Halloween, Kid’s Treat or Pagan Trick? and The Darkside of Halloween.)

Although the world dresses evil up as good and presents it as fun and exciting (through Halloween festivities, popular books, movies, t.v. shows, and games), a Christian should have no part in these things.  2 Corinthians 6:14-15a, 17 “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?  and what communion hath light with darkness?  And what concord hath Christ with Belial?  Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing: and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 

If you are God’s child, He does not want you to dabble (even just mentally) in what He calls an abomination.   You are His.  You are to be set apart for His purposes.  “Be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).  God gives solemn warning in Leviticus 20:6 ”And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set My face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.  Sanctify yourselves therefore and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.  And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.” 

We must allow Christ to cleanse our hearts, minds, and lives of all that is displeasing to Him.  Acts 19:19 tells of Christians who were involved in “curious arts” (witchcraft) before they came to Christ.  When they realized that this was displeasing to God they burned all their valuable magic books.  Let us examine our lives.  1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good.  Abstain from all appearance of evil.”  We must get rid of any evil we may have let creep into our lives (because it’s cute, fun, everyone does/has it), and replace it with things that glorify God.  Romans 12:9  “Abhor [hate] that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” 

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Note:  The links attached to this article are here to aid your further study of the topic and do not necessarily indicate endorsement of the authors or websites. 

 

Influence

By Vida Earnshaw                             

Everyone has influence.  Often we forget the tremendous influence we have as daughters.  Everyday we have the opportunity to make our home either a blessed or wretched abode.  For instance, when we get up each morning we choose the attitude we will display when we meet the rest of the family.  If we choose a fleshly, self-centered attitude — speaking disrespectfully to our parents, arguing and dragging our feet at the tasks they give us to do, being unkind, mean and bossy to our siblings — our home will be filled with anger, hatred, and strife.  Our anger gives Satan a foothold (Eph. 4:27), polluting the atmosphere of the entire home.  

On the other hand, if we choose to embrace our calling to be sweet, submissive, godly daughters and sisters — honoring and obeying our parents and loving our siblings, exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) — our home will be full of peace and happiness. 

We have the potential to influence our home for good or evil every day.  This is especially true for the firstborn in each family.  Firstborns are often the targets of special Satanic attack.  Satan knows the great influence the firstborn carries and does all he can to lead that one astray, knowing that the others will likely follow.  I have seen this tragically played out in several families.   The oldest children chose to rebel, live promiscuously, etc., and one by one the younger children are following in their steps.  Satan works destruction and heartache on entire families by targeting the firstborn.  (I highly recommend the message The Influence of Older Children on Younger Children, by Dr. S.M. Davis, for an in depth look at this subject.  It is available for purchase here.)

Not only do we have influence in our homes, we also have influence on the people with whom we interact outside of our homes.  There were several girls who had a huge influence on my  life when I was in my early teens.  These girls were a few years older than me and sang in a home school girls ensemble along with my sister and I (and several other girls).  I had great admiration for these sweet, godly girls and watched them very closely.  They wore beautiful dresses and skirts and so I wanted to wear dresses and skirts too.  Their words carried weight with me.  One time, a passing comment they made about a book I was reading caused me to carefully evaluate my reading choices and completely eliminate certain books from my reading list.  I even adopted some of their aspirations, which at first seemed so foreign to me.  They had no idea they had such influence over me.  I don’t think I realized it at the time, but, as I look back over my growing up years, their friendship was a major turning point in my life.

This past week my mom and I had the opportunity to drive three young boys to and from school all week.  (The mother’s car was in the shop.)  The boys come from rough family situations and go to public school.  Each morning we tried to teach them a Bible verse and then review it in the afternoon.  The youngest boy did not want to say the verses, but because the older boys said them, he followed their example.  The older boys, though completely unaware of their influence, led the younger boy to do right.  (God’s Word does not return to Him void!  We pray that all three will trust Christ for salvation.) 

It is imperative to make the most of each opportunity to influence someone for good.  You never know how long that opportunity will last.  Thursday morning I was very tired and considered asking my mom if she could take the boys to school without me.  However, knowing the importance of the task, I quickly put the thought aside and went with her to take the boys.  After we dropped them off we made plans for what we would teach them the final day, only to get a call from the mom that afternoon that her car was fixed and she could take them to school herself the next day.  The opportunity was gone. 

The influence we each wield carries with it great responsibility.  In I Corinthians 11:1, Paul exhorted, “Be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ.”  We must be careful to follow Christ so that those under our influence will desire to follow Him too.   

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Thoughts on Ministering From the Home

 Earlier this week, my mom and I were discussing our recent yard sale and had some interesting thoughts. Over these past few years we have been studying a lot about what the Bible teaches concerning the family and have come to see the importance of the home in ministering to people. A home that is functioning Biblically has powerful influence for the Kingdom of God. As we considered our yard sale, we realized that we had seen this principle in action.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the Lord sent many people to our yard sale last Saturday and nearly everyone who stepped into our yard received a gospel tract. We distributed approximately 100 tracts without even leaving our yard. A gospel tract, because it contains the Word of God, will have impact wherever it is distributed, as long as someone reads it. However, as we evaluated our experience, we realized that by distributing them from our home, there was a whole unspoken atmosphere to back up the message. My family is by no means perfect (we made numerous mistakes during our yard sale, things that, in looking back, we realize detracted from the message), but we are striving, by God’s grace, to have a home that brings glory to God by operating according to His design. I think I can safely say that most everyone who stopped by could sense that there is something different about our home: peaceful Christian music playing; modest, feminine dress; unity among the family. Our prayer is that this atmosphere caused a longing in people’s hearts that will impel them to seek out the Word of God.

Sadly, there are many Christians who believe that they must neglect their families or leave their homes in order to most effectively serve Christ. There are times when this is necessary; however, I believe God’s intention is for the family itself to be an impetus to drive others to Christ. In the book Susanna Wesley from the Heroes of Faith series, published by the Institute in Basic Life Principles, there is a thought provoking statement concerning the contrast between Samuel Wesley and his wife Susanna’s focus in life. “In seeking God’s Kingdom, Samuel Wesley tried to change the Church by neglecting his children, and he failed both the Church and his family. Susanna simply concentrated on her family and changed the Church and the nation and influenced the world” (Susanna Wesley, 18). When we focus on developing a Christ-centered home, expending our time and energy to accomplish this goal, God uses the family as a mighty force in attracting people to Himself. 

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw

 

Waiting on the Lord

by Vida Earnshaw 

Why does the Lord cause His children to go through periods of waiting?  Being in the midst of a waiting period myself, I’ve given this question much thought.  Waiting is difficult, probably one of the most challenging things I have faced thus far.  As finite human beings, we want immediate provision of our needs.  We want to know right now exactly what the Lord has planned for us in the future.  We want to see God work and do what He has promised immediately.  Sometimes God allows us a glimpse, a vision, of what He may do, how He may use us, but then He makes us wait for the fulfillment of that vision.  Why does He make us wait?

As I have pondered this question and searched the Scriptures, it is comforting to know that we are not alone in having to wait on the Lord.  The Scripture is replete with examples of people who had to wait on the Lord.  It seems that most, if not all, of God’s servants had to go through a time of waiting.  Noah waited 100 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a worldwide flood to destroy the earth.  Abraham had to wait 25 years for the birth of his promised son.  Joseph had to endure a long wait (22 years) for the fulfillment of the dreams of his youth.  Moses had to wait on the Lord’s timing to be used to deliver the Children of Israel from bondage in Egypt.  Ruth waited on the Lord for a husband by choosing to follow Naomi and her God to the land of Israel instead of returning to her own people as her sister-in-law did.  Hannah waited many years for a child.  David was anointed to be king as a young man, but spent many years fleeing for his life before God saw fit to bring him to the throne.  These are just a few of the many examples in Scripture where God placed His servants in a position where they had to wait on Him.  Why does God choose to work this way?

Several reasons have become apparent to me.  First, God receives the most glory by making us wait on Him.  God is intensely interested in His glory, in His being made big in our eyes.

This interest in His glory is clearly seen in Moses’ life.  God made Moses wait for the appointed time to deliver the Israelites from Egypt because He wanted His people, the Egyptians, and all the surrounding nations to know that He alone is God.  Exodus 7:5 And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them.  God told Pharaoh, “Let my people go, that they may serve me.  For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that [there is] none like me in all the earth.  For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee and thy people with pestilence; and thou shalt be cut off from the earth.  And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth” (Exodus 9:14-16, emphasis added).  If Moses had been allowed to deliver his people when he first desired to do so, God would not have received the fullness of glory He deserves.

God also glorified Himself in the eyes of Joseph and his brothers through Joseph’s long wait.  In Genesis 50:15-21 we see that his brothers came to a place of repentance for their sin against him.  Joseph was able to help them see God’s hand in their lives.  They had meant it for evil when they sold him into slavery, but God meant it for good.

Hannah glorified God when He finally blessed her with a son after years of waiting.  She probably wouldn’t have thought so much of it if God had given her children immediately.  Also, because Hannah gave her son to the Lord’s service, Samuel became a prophet, a mighty servant of the Lord.  She probably wouldn’t have dedicated her son to the Lord if she hadn’t had to wait for a child for so long.

A second reason that God often makes us wait is to place us in a position where we must trust Him.  God wants our hope and confidence to rest on Him alone, not in our circumstances or other people.  David’s trust in God was deepened while fleeing from Saul.  The Psalms are full of statements of His trust in God.  For example, Psalm 57:1-3 [[To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.]] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.  He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up.  Selah.  God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.  Often periods of waiting reveal whether or not we truly trust the Lord.

God also uses waiting times to cause us to grow in godliness.  The more we turn to the Lord and trust Him through these times, the more we grow to be like Him.  God is accomplishing all of these purposes through my own time of waiting.  These past four years of waiting on His perfect timing to finish up my final year of college have been full of lessons.  God has transformed my thinking in many ways.  The longer I wait, the more I realize that I must choose to trust God, as opposed to thinking that my way is hidden from Him.  I pray that He will move in such a way that He will be glorified, both in my eyes and in the eyes of all who observe my life.

Does God have you in a period of waiting? You have a choice before you. Will you choose to trust God and do what He wants you to do while you wait or will you despair that the wait is too long, become bitter against the Lord, and try to take matters into your own hands?

May God help us each to wait patiently on Him, remembering that His ways and timing are perfect.

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© Copyright 2007 by Vida Earnshaw