Spiritual Security

During the dark days of the Great Depression, Americans were encouraged by the fireside radio chats of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was during these chats that the President outlined the details of his New Deal. Namely, he proposed the National Recovery Act, emphasizing its action on jobs, public works, economic reform and boldly, an "old-age pension," similar to the measure he implemented as Governor of New York state.

President Roosevelt realized that the nation needed to hear the voice of its leader to restore hope and faith that something was being done! The "old-age pension" came to be known by another name - Social Security. Today, scholars and political pundits debate whether implementing this measure was the right course. However, there is no denying that everyone is impacted by Social Security - collecting money from working people to distribute back to them upon retirement, or for protection of children of families who have lost the main provider of that family.

Security is a wonderful concept, yet not really understood. Security is simply relying on some entity, trusting it to accomplish something on behalf of the person who trusts in it.

Spiritual Security operates on this same principle, except that it is not compulsory, like the US Social Security program. It also comes with a caveat - temptation.

God often allows temptation into our lives, but promises that it won't come without a means of enduring it or providing a means of escape. The idea, however, is to completely trust God through the temptation.

Blackaby points out in today's study that Christ knew that Peter and his other followers would be tempted, but he had already provided them strength and courage to endure it. They simply needed to trust in that reality. You and I are secure, but the power to overcome is not housed in our frame. It belongs to God.

Spiritual Security is a reward beyond the temptation or tests we face. You can experience this great treasure in the face of adversity. Christ has already paid the price and overcome the world. As His followers, you and I can too!

Charles Fortney

elder