Apr 4, 2011
Will God Protect Us? Learning to Lay Down Our Lives
Before a big road trip a few years back, I was asking God to protect us. While praying, I was reminded of people I know who have been in car accidents and then thought of Christians throughout the world who have been harmed in one way or another.
The more you think about it, the more you realize that there are Christians who die in car accidents, die from cancer, or die as martyrs daily. There are Christians who are injured, abused, and slandered.
I hit a place in my Christian walk where I asked God something like the following:
“So you mean to tell me that I have to surrender my life and carry my cross, but I don’t have a guarantee that you’ll always protect me?”
That sounds little silly in retrospect. I mean, of course we’ll all pass away at some point. However, I used to think that in letting go of my life that God would take care of it in the same way I would.
It was like trusting God to a certain point, but still wanting to have my way. I didn’t understand why the cross didn’t come with a pillow or a strap for easier carrying.
That forced me to rethink discipleship, what it means to lay down my life like Christ, and what to expect from God.
In the book of Hebrews we read about followers of God who were both delivered from evil and who suffered despite being righteous. In other words, we just don’t know what God’s plans or purposes are, and he will either protect us or give us the ability to endure the hardships that come our way.
In addition, if I’m still asking God to give me smooth sailing in this world, then I probably haven’t learned to let go of my life and my plans for the sake of him and his Kingdom. I probably have a much stronger hold on this world than I would expect.
Tomorrow’s Post: What does it look like to let go of this world?
As always, good words Ed.
I know it’s rare that we actually say these words to God but in some sense, this is what we sometimes say (and sometimes we say much, much worse in thought, word and action of course).
I still pray for safety, health, the Lord’s nearness and so forth but more out of faithful stewardship and a reminder to myself of who i trust, not as much out of “seeking a guarantee” by using the proper code words.
Thanks Ed!
Great stuff Tim. Thanks. The code words are certainly part of the problem.
I dunno. King David’s words throughout the Psalms seem to indicate that he fully expected God to be on his side and save him. Jesus instructed us to pray for deliverance from evil.
Yet, to your point, there is ample evidence all around that believers do not get a free pass from the hardships of life. So I’m left with this question: are the hardships of life the same thing as “the cross?”
I’d answer your questions, but they get into what I’m writing tomorrow. If we don’t have guarantees, what do we do about particular situations and praying to be delivered from evil? What does that look like? Stay tuned!
I know it is hard to let go and let god. It is hard to pray for or enemy’s and give unconditional love as Christ does. I loved your article. Makes me ponder thoughts.
Ed,
Praying for safety became dangerous for my faith. For me, it did come at the expense of my discipleship. Great post.
James