The Devil Aims High

A really dear friend of mine recently went home to his family and selfishly it was a sad day for me. Cowboy, as I will refer to him for his love for western novels, had been here close to a year in a situation that was so hard to believe. I still cannot understand why he even had to be here but he was. He was a strong Christian man, older and distinguished, with peace that only God could provide. I enjoyed our visits and he helped me cope with the sadness, anger, and overall hopelessness that overcome me daily. In getting to know him and who he was in his heart I shared with him this truth several days before he left.

The Devil Aims High

And Jesus being full of the Hold Spirit returned from Jordan and was led by the spirit into the wilderness, being forty days tempted by the devil. Luke 4:1-2

What strikes me of this passage it that Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Holy Spirit and He was still tempted! Is it not any different for you and I? Temptation and trials come on a man when he is closest to God. The devil pulls all his strongest power to topple a man who is close to God.

Think about it! Peter walked with Christ and denied Him! He said he didn't even know him. Lets face it, Satan attacked me and I crumbled. I chose easy because of fear. I chose procrastination over conflict. That was the past.

Here is what I know now!

God allows temptations and trials because is does what storms do fro the oak trees- It drives the roots deep -, it does what the fire does for paintings on porcelain - it makes it permanent.

I wrote to cowboy on the day of his departure: Cowboy the devil aimed high when he got you with this trial. Thank you for your encouragement. You drove your roots deeper and made your painting permanent and through it all gave me HOPE!

Upon his parting he had a set of saddlebags made in the leather shop here at the camp. I had drawn a picture earlier in my stay and he asked if he could proudly have the image placed on one side of the bag. He was to use the bags in hi new ministry of helping kids. I felt honored and have included the picture for all to see.

The picture is based on Psalms 1:2-3

I love you all and count the days till my return.

In Him,

Bryan