Counselors Reflect on Dangerous Calling by Paul Tripp
A Series to Care for the Care Takers of God’s People
“Remember Elijah, who, after the great victory over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, finds himself so alone, discouraged, and hopeless that he wishes he could die. First Kings 19 pictures for us this pathetic prophet who has completely lost his way and is convinced it’s the end. He can see no way out. He is convinced that he is the only righteous man left, and from his vantage point it looks as though evil is going to win. God has to come to Elijah and return him to his senses. He is not alone; God’s work is not done. Evil will not ultimately win. There are seven thousand faithful who are still left to carry on the work of God” (Paul David Tripp in Dangerous Calling, page 67).
I do not know about the specifics of your spiritual life right now. Perhaps it has been a fruitful time in the ministry and you are encouraged. Perhaps you feel more like Elijah and are discouraged. During the Christian life, three truths must be presently on our minds, as Paul David Tripp reminds us.
First, we are not alone. The Lord promises to never leave us or forsake us (Heb. 13:5b). When Moses questioned God about what he should say to Pharaoh to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, God promised Moses, “I will be with you” (Ex. 3:12). Though Satan may tempt us to feel like we are isolated and alone, we are not. Whether this season of life is one that is joy-filled and encouraging or discouraging and trial-filled, God is present.
Second, God’s work is not done. Ministry and the Christian life is hard work. Until Jesus comes again, this world will be full of sin and suffering. In Elijah’s life, after he had defeated the prophets of Baal, the trials were not over. Jezebel threatened his life. Though Elijah asked the Lord to take his life and feared that he was the only faithful one left, the Lord’s work was not done. The Lord spoke to Elijah in a gentle whisper, assuring him that there were others to carry on His work (1 Kings 19:18). God continued to do the work, bringing Himself the glory in the process. We can be assured that even during the discouraging trials of life and ministry, if God calls us, he will equip us to do the work (Phil. 1:6). He is also working through other Christ-following believers.
Third, evil will not ultimately win. One of the most gracious acts of the Lord in the Old Testament was God’s banishing Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. For many, this act may seem like one of punishment. God’s grace and redemptive work were at hand, however. There were two trees in the Garden of Eden: The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and the Tree of Life. God knew that if Adam and Eve ate of the Tree of Life in their fallen state, they would live that way forever (Gen. 3:22-23). Though Satan had won the battle in the Garden, he had not won the war. The Lord God gave a promise. There would be One that would come that would crush the serpent’s head (Gen. 3:15): Jesus Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets and the way, the truth, and the life. Though this life will be ridden with death, suffering, trials, and pain, evil will not ultimately win. The day is coming, as Revelation 22:3-5 tells us, “No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.”
Believer, You are not alone. God’s work is not done. Evil will not ultimately win.
To order a copy of your own of Paul Tripp’s book click on the link below.
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Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry By Paul David Tripp / Crossway Books & Bibles |