Day 28 – Steady Confidence

Brother Lawrence said that “he expected great physical or mental suffering to occur, and that his greatest trial would be to lose the perceptible awareness of God he had experienced for so long. But God’s goodness assured him he would never abandon him, and would give him the strength to endure whatever evil he would permit to happen to him. With that assurance he feared nothing.”

Brother Lawrence expected stress and suffering in life.

• Indeed, God’s Word has repeatedly told us in multiple ways, “You will face trials, troubles, temptations, testings, and tribulations” (Psalm 34:19; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 4:12). Of these we can anticipate.

The greatest concern of Brother Lawrence was that he would lose a conscious sense of God’s near presence. To him that would be the most difficult trial of all. He had experienced God’s continual presence for so long that he felt it would be horrible to lose it.

So God graciously assured Brother Lawrence that he would not abandon him and would strengthen him to face any evil. God’s goodness and faithfulness would carry him through. He would only experience what God’s providence allowed.

• Indeed, God has repeatedly told us in multiple ways, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am with you always” (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Joshua 1:5; Psalm 9:10; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). Of this we can be assured.

So with a steady confidence in God, Brother Lawrence anticipated God’s strengthening. He learned not to live in fear. Rather, he abided in faith, hope, and love (1 Corinthians 13:13).

• Indeed, God has repeatedly told us in multiple ways, “I will strengthen you, help you, protect you, save you, deliver you” (Psalm 16:8; 32:7; 34:4, 17; 46:1; Isaiah 12:2; 41:10; 43:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; 1 Peter 5:10). Of this we can receive.

God’s Spirit frequently speaks a specific word from God’s Word into our current life situation. It is a living word, a timely word, even a prophetic word for our strengthening, encouraging, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3).

God’s living Word establishes our steady confidence in the Lord.

Action Step: Look up some of these listed verses and pick one to meditate upon or memorize. Receive it as from God.

This is God’s Word for you today,
Pastor Dave