2 June 1953
God's grace always assists a struggler, but this does not
mean that a struggler is always in the position of a victor; sometimes the
beasts did not touch the righteous ones, but by no means did
they not touch them always. What is important is not victory or the
position of a victor, but rather the labor of striving towards God and devotion
to Him. Great is the Apostle Paul, but he asks the Lord many times
('thrice" means not once, but many times) that the messenger of Satan
depart from him, for he "buffets" him, making some sort of attacks
that are difficult and averse to his spirit. But the Lord leaves him in such a
position: "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Cor. 12:7-9) -
enough assistance of grace and gifts are provided for him. The Lord wants from
the apostle the striving which cleanses his soul.
What is important is the state of the soul, the
striving towards God, and not the stature of a victor. "Strength is
made perfect in weakness"(2 Cor. 12:9). Though a man may be found in a
weak state, that does not at all mean that he has been
abandoned by God. The Lord Jesus Christ, according to the worldly view, was in
trouble, but when the sinful world considered Him to be completely destroyed, in actuality He was victorious over death and
hades. The Lord did not promise us positions as victors as a reward for
righteousness, but told us, "In the world we shall have tribulation,
but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). The power of God is effective when a person asks for the
help of God, acknowledging the weakness and sinfulness of his nature. This is
why humility and the striving towards God are the fundamental virtues of a
Christian.
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