God Always Has the Last Laugh

“There was never a revival of religion without a revival of his opposition.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Throughout my four decades of ministry, one theme has remained consistent: every time God was preparing to do something great, Satan launched a preemptive attack.

The first such “shot across the bow” happened on January 20, 1994, just 19 days after Deanna and I entered full-time ministry. Gone was the financial safety net of a 9-to-5 job with a guaranteed paycheck and a 401k plan. On that miserable January day, our 2-year-old son Chris suffered a massive stroke that left him unable to speak, walk, or use his right hand.

Fortunately, God led us to one of only three pediatric neurosurgeons in the world who was trained in a new experimental procedure and – after undergoing eight hours of brain surgery at Children’s Hospital of Boston – any further strokes were avoided. Chris went on to earn varsity letters in three sports (with limited use of his right hand) while finishing second in his high school class. Today, he is happily married, a successful financial advisor, and actively participates in Risk Takers for Christ’s various ministries and sports teams.

A happy ending indeed, but Deanna and I were put on notice that stepping out in faith meant that we were now in “Satan’s crosshairs” and he was gunning for us.

In my previous ministry, which was based in New Jersey, we conducted multiple sports “crusades” each year that lasted five to eight days, allowing us to visit prisons in distant states like Washington, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Without fail, the week before each trip, at least one of our players would suffer an unexpected family crisis. I am convinced that Satan knew that God was about to use our team to accomplish great things – reaching thousands of inmates with the gospel – and he was working overtime to try to derail our plans.

Other times, Satan would use bus breakdowns, prison riots, or inclement weather as roadblocks… but God always took what Satan meant for evil and used it for good (Genesis 50:20). I can just imagine how frustrated ol’ Lucifer must have been to see God have the last laugh time after time.

And so, my friend, please don’t be discouraged when you face physical or spiritual opposition. In many cases, it is an indication that you are on the right path. Just ask Charles Spurgeon, the “Prince of Preachers”…

“As soon as Ezra and Nehemiah began to work, Sanballat and Tobiah were stirred up to hinder them. What then? We are not alarmed because Satan hinders us, for it is a proof that we are on the Lord's side and are doing the Lord's work, and in His strength we will win the victory and triumph over our adversary.”

“Hezekiah appointed military commanders over the people and gathered the people in the square of the city gate. Then he encouraged them, saying, ‘Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.’ So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President