FOR NOW...
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:20, ESV
Theme: God’s peace will soon provide ultimate victory; Jesus’ grace be with you in the meantime and forever after.
HOMEWORK
Now that school has begun, homework-induced lament fills my home. I did not assign the homework. It is not mine to complete. I have no power over it. Yet it causes me suffering, for now, because those close to me despise it and must endure it. They look forward to the days of summer when they will be free of its yoke. In the meantime, it seems hopeless. The toil of homework continues unending until June. Once one assignment is complete, more appear and it is terrible to behold. However, we know that homework is temporary and that someday they will be free from it. Homework will not have a hold on anyone forever. This summer/school tug-of-war will end. Freedom from homework is a sure thing. It’s not like life – there is a marked end. Wait, life has a marked end, also; we are simply afraid of it.
DEATH
My father-in-law died in June. Since his passing, I have considered all the ways in which he is now free to enjoy victory. His work – both all the good and anything that was less than perfect – is over. God’s peace reigns in him, and His grace covers the iniquity and provides for any deficiency. There is no more pain, sorrow, or sin for him. Strangely, I feel peace for and about his passing. It gives me hope for the day when all my own struggles are gone and all that’s left is to watch as the God of peace crushes Satan. “‘O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55, ESV). The struggle I face is only for now.
PEACE WILL SOON CRUSH
Peace, unassuming and quiet, may wield great power after all. Facing an enemy, berserk with adrenaline, plunging headlong into battle is one thing. It’s all over quickly. The drums, the battle cry, the force of a thousand soldiers behind and a thousand in front, steel nerves and cover terror. We have that when we worship together, serve together, and pray together. Yet, facing an enemy who holds advantage, with no weapon, no defense, and no army, willingly – that is exceptional. It’s the stuff of martyrs and legends like Lottie Moon, Joan of Arc, the apostle Peter, and Jesus. On the days we are tested alone, like Jesus in the desert, that’s when we need grace from Jesus to be with us – for now.
IN THE MEANTIME
Ultimate victory is ours, and soon, but not likely today. You absolutely face an enemy who has the advantage on earth from now until your life work is complete. While we are living and struggling, that's when we need the grace of our Lord Jesus to be with us. Jesus came to settle the score; He finished the job. The God of peace has already won. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIVUK). Satan lost and will soon be crushed by God under your feet. This is a sure thing. And yet, today may look bleak – for now. You may be outgunned – for now. You may be surrounded – for now. Your current circumstance may look like defeat – for now. Take heart. Embrace the grace of our Lord Jesus; He will be with you until everything is put right and redeemed.
Make It Personal: What gives you courage in the meantime? What struggles feel like too much? How does the juxtaposition of a victorious God of peace and a crushed Satan help you to persevere today?
Pray: Dear God of Peace, thank You for your Son and His victory. I know that the end to this season of losses and wins, victories and disappointments, will soon end. Satan will be crushed. We will be together. Help me to face the trials ahead with courage, patience, and peace – for now. I know You will be with me and that You have won. In Jesus’ Name!
Read: Romans 16:20-27
Weekly Memory Verse: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13, ESV