Deeper Life #42

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.

—Galatians 1:4

THE NEAREST AND CHOICEST FRIENDS will at times misunderstand God’s way with you and may even become very demons in advice, even as Peter was to Jesus.

At the very outset of the sanctified life, cruel judgments and condemnations by our friends will be encountered. In such moments as these, to stand with the silence of God in the heart and the clear understanding of the misjudgment of the dearest and innermost circle of friends is to know with Paul (and our Lord) the introduction to a larger and more useful life, through the hurt of a broken circle of friends.

It is perilously easy for us to react to the critical comments of our friends and to feel that, after all, “I may be wrong, for those I love and who love me see spiritual things so differently.” Yet the inward heart knows, when alone with God, whether His way points differently.

Prayer Thought: Dear Lord, help me to remain steady and sure in the security of Your Word and its guidance.

SUGGESTED READING: Galatians 1:1–16