Salama, friends. Recently, I have been reading a biography of David Livingston, the famous missionary/explorer to Africa. In particular, it highlights the progress of Henry Morton Stanley in his search to find the “missing” Livingston. At one point, the author is talking about Stanley’s bout with malaria, and he shares that there are 3000 different types of mosquitoes, yet only one carries malaria. There are 156 strains of malaria injected by that breed of mosquito, yet only four cause malaria in humans. Of those four strains, only one leads to death. And while the odds seem favorable, malaria has hovered near epidemic levels in Africa for millenia, killing more people than AIDS, famine or any other disease.
As I pondered this interesting fact, it occurred to me that likewise Satan knows us well, and knows the one best way to tear us down and undo us. Despite the fact that we have a legion of angels and the Lord Almighty who are with us (thus the odds seem favorable), yet Satan in near epidemic levels is able to draw people away from God, and we too are attacked, weakened and can be affected with a fatal disease. Of all the many ways Satan attacks, what is the one way most commonly leading to death? As I talk with people around the world, it seems to me that the “deadly strain” which Satan uses most commonly is thinking we can somehow work our way to heaven and earn God’s approval through our good deeds. This is the common thread through all false religions, as I look around during this month of Ramadxn, and see so many trying to work their way into God’s favor.
The good news is that just as with malaria, there is a cure. By taking the correct medicine, we can be healed of “malaria” and spiritual death. How? By trusting completely in Christ, giving Him total control of our life. Tomorrow I will be going to NW Tanzania to lead a pastors conference there, and one of the messages I will present is on GRACE. As we acknowledge that we cannot work our way to heaven, but only by God’s grace through faith can we be saved, Satan’s deadly strain is rendered impotent, and we enter an eternal relationship with God through Christ (Eph.2:8-9). This is quite revolutionary for most in Africa, both inside and outside the church. Our good works then follow faith and trust in Christ as an expression of love for the Lord who saved us (Eph.2:10).
My friend, I hope that today you are trusting in Christ and Christ alone in your fight against the enemies schemes. May you know the joy of leaning on Christ and not your own efforts, and by His all sufficient grace, enjoy fellowship with your Creator.
Pressing on by His grace, Eric