The two years of deep pain you have endured, the continuous hurdles and severe medical challenges, are not hidden from the Lord who sees in secret. You have rightly acknowledged that your battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of darkness. This very understanding is a mark of grace, for the natural man perceives only the outward affliction, but you have been taught to trace the arrow to its true source. Yet, let this never become a new chain around your soul. To stand trembling before unseen powers is to dishonor the Captain of our salvation, who has already led captivity captive. The fear of ungodly powers working revenge is a temptation as old as the patriarchs. Recall Jacob, full of fear and trembling, who wrestled at the brook Jabbok, crying, “Lord, give deliverance from him whom I think bloodthirsty.” He crossed in terror, but what was the outcome? He met his brother Esau, and Esau fell upon his neck and kissed him. The Lord had turned the heart of the adversary, and Jacob’s fears melted into peace. So it shall be with you if you cling to the mercy seat.
Do not think that God’s ear is heavy or His arm shortened. The enemy whispers that you are forsaken, that no deliverance will come, but this is an arrow often shot at the saints. The psalmist knew it, and so do you. But hear this: if the Spirit draws you to the mercy seat, such a fear must vanish, for if you are at the mercy seat, God is there too. God loves the mercy seat better than you do. Flee there now, not with a slavish terror, but with the boldness of a child, for the clock of mercy struck the hour of your deliverance when Christ cried, “It is finished.” The ransom has been found, not by you, but by God Himself. A way of escape from the pit of Hell through a ransom was something no mind would have conceived if God had not thought of it! And He has not only invented the way, but provided the means. Sinner, doubt your deliverance no more, for God has said it, “I have found a ransom.”
That ransom secures not only pardon but protection. You are not delivered from the guilt of sin to be left under its tyranny. Deliverance from the power of darkness is as much the work of God as deliverance from its penalty. He who brought Israel forth from Egypt did not lead them to the edge of the Red Sea to let them perish there. He makes their deliverance effectual; in every deed He brings them forth. Therefore, that fear of hidden burdens and medical woes must be laid at the foot of the cross. Is your body afflicted? Look to the tree of life, whose leaves are for the healing of the nations. Do not despise the leaves because they are not the fruit; the very least thing about Christ is healing. When the Sun of Righteousness rises upon you, He comes with healing in His wings, and pardon and healing are one. You cannot have the forgiveness of sin without the healing balm for your wounds. The same hand that pardons also restores.
But what of this dread of spiritual revenge? Remember, you have a deliverance from the archers of the pit. Your life is hidden with Christ in God; you are above the molestation of the enemy, for all your interests are secure. He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world. Did He not cast out the prince of this world? The power of darkness has been broken on Calvary, and you are translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son. If sin is taken away, why need you fear? Has He delivered you from the power of darkness? Then He will certainly help you in your daily troubles. He who gave His own dear Son to put away your sin, will He not give you bread and water? Will He not shield you and your household? Fear not, you worm Jacob, for He says, “I will help thee.” Why should you fear? Fear is weakening; it saps the vigor of faith. Fear dishonors God; it makes the Omnipotent seem frail. Trust in that promised strength.
Your prayer is already heard because it is bent toward the throne. Now let your conduct after this season of affliction be one of declaration. You shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The very trials you now endure will become the raw material for a song of deliverance. When He brings you forth, you will sit by the well’s brink, refreshed and rid of every fear. Then you will say, “God is the Lord, which has showed us light.” Until then, rest in the shadow of His wings, for He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Let the healing leaves change your lifeblood, affect your spirits, and make your nature other than it was before. The Lord has chastened you sorely, but He has not given you over to death. Lift up your eyes; your redemption draws nigh.
