Sidewalk Cracks and Monkey's Paw
Do any of you remember reading a short story by Edgar Allen Poe called "The Monkey’s Paw”? I think I read it in junior high. It had a huge impression on me because I still remember it, about 50 years later. In the story, the mummified paw of a monkey granted three wishes. But each wish came at a price. For example, a couple asked for a specific amount of money and the next day their son died in a horrible accident. The insurance payout was exactly the amount they wished for. It only gets worse from there.
Lately, I have felt a bit like the answers to my prayers have come from the monkey’s paw. That is, I got what I asked for, but not without cost to me that I did not expect to pay in exchange. The situation is far too personal to explain but let me take you on my journey from monkey’s paw to manifestation of grace.
When a major trail came up recently, I found that amid all my sorrows, something I had wanted and prayed for came true as a direct result of that trial.
As is typical of Satan’s attack plan, and, sadly, our own human nature, the story of the monkey’s paw came to mind. In other words, I thought “God’s blessings come with a cost”. Or “blessings come with curses”.
But let’s see what God’s promises about blessings and trials really are, as outlined in scripture.
Contrary to the “health and wealth” gospel that some denominations teach, Jesus is pretty clear about what His followers should expect in this world. And it isn’t all rainbows and unicorns.
Mark 10:28-30 [NKJV] 28 Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You." 29 So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, 30 "who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time--houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions--and in the age to come, eternal life.
Please note that Jesus is clear that we will receive both blessings and troubles in this life. He specifically says “persecutions”. While I would not use that word for what I have been experiencing, there is underlying thread of persecution to all trials, because this is Satan’s world and he hates all who are made in the image of God, whether we are “called, chosen and faithful” or living in darkness or disobedience.
Blessings in this life don’t come with persecutions attached. They are just both part of the believer’s life until the day we are resurrected to eternal life with Him. What God does promise is that our trials will have a purpose to them.
James 1:2-4, 12 [NKJV] 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have [its] perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ... 12 Blessed [is] the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Romans 5:3 [NKJV] And not only [that], but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
1 Peter 4:12-13 [NKJV] 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.
Trials teach Jesus’ followers so much more than a trial-free life could. For believers, a trial is not a punishment for the blessings we receive. They are tools and, in their own way, blessings, that produce patience and perseverance, blessings and even joy (if we will let them).
1Corinthians 15:19 [ESV]“If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
I’d like to point out just two lessons regarding trails, though there are many we could discuss.
Rather than looking at my current situation as a blessing with a trial attached to it. I believe God wants me to see and be grateful for the blessing that came in the midst of the trial as proof that He is there with me - that having a trial does not mean He hasn’t heard my prayers.
Lesson 1 is that God wants us to see that He is still with us in the midst of the storm. He is there, even when it feels like we are drowning in sorrow during that trial – still blessing us, providing support, loving and helping us endure.
Lesson 2 comes from 1Corinthians 15:19 [ESV], where we read, “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”
This life is not where our greatest hope for blessings and rewards should be primarily focused. For it is not where Jesus’ life was focused. His example was of suffering in our stead and dying for us so that we might live eternally with Him and the Father in His Kingdom – not for prosperity in this life.
During His human life, Jesus walked away from everything He had, lived on the road, delt with people who didn’t understand Him and falsely accused Him throughout His ministry and not just at the end. His siblings walked away from Him. He got hungry and thirsty and tired.
For, dear sisters, trials are not proof that God does not love us. They are, quite often, proof that we are on the right path and Satan is mad about it. They are also an opportunity for us to experience God’s love even in the tough times.
So, now I think of a trial with a blessing as being like a flower growing from the crack in the sidewalk. This world is a cracked sidewalk – long since broken by Satan’s leadership. Our walk of faith allows flowers of blessing to grow in the cracks.
I welcome your comments and questions. You can write me in the chat, or any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org