It is War. Who wins?
The Church is being attacked from outside and within. It always has been. How do you feel about the rampant evil that surrounds us, and the way it infiltrates the church? We should be aware of this, but never be disheartened and distracted from continuing the work of God to the very end. In the end He always wins. We can see His victory in Philippi, even though it looked like a loss, and we will see the same in our lives if we keep trusting, obeying and seeing things from Jesus’ perspective.
Scripture
Acts 16:16-40 ESV As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. [17] She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” [18] And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. [19] But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. [20] And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. [21] They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” [22] The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. [23] And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. [24] Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. [25] About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, [26] and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. [27] When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. [28] But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” [29] And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. [30] Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [31] And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” [32] And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. [33] And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. [34] Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. [35] But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” [36] And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” [37] But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.” [38] The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. [39] So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. [40] So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Through the Scripture
Doing the work of Jesus Christ
Christians are commanded to love God above all else and love others genuinely, we’re also commanded to make disciples by sharing the Gospel and teaching them to obey Christ’s instructions. When we do this, we’re pleasing God, blessing others and fulfilling our purpose - and we’re fighting the war instead of just watching it. This spiritual war affects everyone even the spectators, but only the participants have meaning, purpose and a promise of victory.
Acts 16:16a ESV As we were going to the place of prayer…
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. [4] For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. [5] We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Acts 16:13-15 ESV And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. [14] One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. [15] And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
Attacks from the spiritual realm
It didn’t take long for the servants of the enemy to be exposed. The attack of the evil spirits against the preaching of the Gospel is however subtle. It appears to support it, to follow and join in, but the intention is to harm it. Paul and the others were strategically infiltrating a wicked pagan stronghold, and the attack was launched to break their cover and cause them to be rejected. God’s enemies can look like they’re part of the church, while secretly trying to destroy it.
Acts 16:116b-18 ESV …we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. [17] She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” [18] And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
Philippians 1:29-30 ESV For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, [30] engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Ephesians 6:12-13 ESV For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Attacks in the flesh
The war we wage goes deeper than we can imagine, fought by spiritual powers, but these powers don’t have to do much to get human beings involved to do their dirty work. Our sinful desires are powerful and they control us if we don’t have Jesus and His Holy Spirit to rescue us. The greed and idolatry and desire to continue in rebellion against God pushed the people of Philippi to violence. This is why the Lord Jesus warned us that in this world His followers will have trouble, when we make progress in exposing evil, we can face backlash.
Acts 16:19-24 ESV But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. [20] And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. [21] They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” [22] The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. [23] And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. [24] Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.
John 3:19-21 ESV And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. [20] For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. [21] But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
The weapons of Christian warfare
While the flesh joins the spiritual attack in opposing the Gospel and the work of God, we’re called to fight in the spirit and not in the flesh. God gives us spiritual weapons to fight in His power and might. Prayer, praise, preaching and the armour of God are all used here to turn the attack into a defeat of the enemy. We can learn how to do the same by folowing Paul’s example.
Acts 16:25-27 ESV About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, [26] and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. [27] When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 ESV And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” [22] And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.
Psalms 149:1-6 ESV Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! [2] Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! [3] Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! [4] For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. [5] Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. [6] Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands,
Ephesians 6:18-20 ESV praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
God works all things together
When we continue to trust and obey through the attacks of the enemy, God works powerfully attending to every detail and using every last element of the enemies attacks to bring about His will and complete victory. He even used the initial schemes through the servant girl to direct the requests of the jailer and his family. The enemy used it to expose and threaten the ministry, God used it to open the eyes of the people, especially the jailer. We must trust God to take and use everything for His glorious purposes.
Acts 16:28-34 ESV But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” [29] And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. [30] Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [31] And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” [32] And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. [33] And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. [34] Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
1 Corinthians 15:1-6 ESV Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.
That means all things
It may seem self-centred or prideful that Paul insists on a public apology - and while we don’t know his motives - it’s clear what benefits this has for the mission. The whole city would now know that an injustice was committed, and also to leave the new Christian converts alone. When God promises to use all things together, He means it, He leaves nothing to chance and nothing is wasted in His hands.
Acts 16:35-37 ESV But when it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Let those men go.” [36] And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.” [37] But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and do they now throw us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and take us out.”
Proverbs 12:19 ESV Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
Departed but not defeated
Finally Paul and the others are asked to leave the city. This may seem like a defeat and a failure, but is it really. Many times through the events in Philippi, it seemed like the enemy was winning the war. But who wins in the end? The Church grew again, a slave girl was freed, families came to faith and received eternal life, and the Gospel continued to grown. Paul moved on to Thessalonica to plant another church, and the church at Philippi grew because of all the events being used by God to do so. Later we read Pauls letter to the church there and find that they even sent help to him. God always wins in the end.
Acts 16:38-40 ESV The police reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Roman citizens. [39] So they came and apologized to them. And they took them out and asked them to leave the city. [40] So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
Philippians 1:1-6 ESV Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: [2] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:25-30 ESV I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, [26] for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. [27] Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. [28] I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. [29] So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, [30] for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Daily Devotions
Monday: Acts 16:16a - The Commitment to Warfare
Today's Verse Acts 16:16a ESV As we were going to the place of prayer...
Reflection When Paul and his companions were simply fulfilling their command from Jesus—going to the place of prayer to share the Gospel—they were immediately engaged in a spiritual war. Doing the work of Jesus Christ, whether it is loving God, loving others, or making disciples, means we are fighting in the conflict, not just sitting on the sidelines watching it. This participation gives our lives meaning, purpose, and the assurance of His promised victory. By choosing to walk in obedience, we commit ourselves to the battle under Jesus, who never loses.
Additional Scripture
For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to her house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (Acts 16:13-15)
Life Application We must recognize that the day we commit to serving Jesus is the day we begin to fight a war. This awareness requires us to stop trusting in our own wisdom and ability. We must stop rushing off into the day like a "bull in a china shop" and instead ask God to order our day's events according to His will, preparing ourselves to use the spiritual weapons He has given us.
Prayer points
Pray for awareness that picking up our Bible, kneeling to pray, or conforming to God's will is an act of war.
Pray for wisdom to utilize His divine power rather than relying on our own fleshly strength.
Pray for the commitment to participate actively in the spiritual conflict by loving and serving Him.
Tuesday: Acts 16:17 - The Enemy's Strategy of Deception
Today's Verse Acts 16:17 ESV She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.”
Reflection The slave girl, who was controlled by an evil spirit, was shouting a message that was factually correct. This shows how subtle the enemy’s attacks can be, appearing to support the Gospel while attempting to harm it. Paul and Silas were strategically entering a pagan city quietly, finding believers first. The demon's shouting was an attempt to break their cover and cause them to be rejected. Jesus warns us that if God’s plans and His timing are perfect, any deviation from that plan, even doing a 'good thing,' can be the work of the enemy trying to sabotage His will.
Additional Scripture
For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. (Philippians 1:29-30)
Life Application Be cautious about actions or influences that seem good but disrupt the powerful, strategic, and quiet work of God. We should be on guard against the enemy trying to trick us into doing the right thing at the wrong time or with the wrong person. We must stop trusting in our own wisdom and ability to discern these sneaky attacks and realize that conflict is expected when advancing the Gospel.
Prayer points
Pray for deep discernment to recognize subtle attacks that appear to be helpful but are meant for evil.
Pray for protection against deception that might lead us to deviate from God’s perfect timing and method.
Pray for the grace to view suffering and conflict as a privilege granted for the sake of Christ.
Wednesday: Acts 16:18 - Power in the Name of Jesus
Today's Verse Acts 16:18 ESV And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.
Reflection When Paul commanded the demon to leave, the spirit had no choice but to obey that very hour. This demonstrates that the victory belongs entirely to Jesus, and the authority inherent in His name commands all spirits. Paul's action was not driven by his growing human annoyance, but by the power granted to us by Jesus Christ. We fight under the banner of and from the victory of Jesus Christ, who has triumphed over all rulers and authorities.
Additional Scripture
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:12-13)
Life Application We must be remember that when facing opposition, that Jesus Christ has ultimate authority over all things. We should focus our prayers against the underlying evil forces, rather than getting consumed by anger at the human beings involved. We need to remember to maintain compassion and pray for the people being used by Satan in his strategy.
Prayer points
Pray for bold faith to use the name of Jesus Christ as the source of authority against spiritual opposition.
Pray for the peace of realising that Jesus has all authority and power over every being and situation.
Pray for compassion on human beings involved in spiritual attacks, remembering we wrestle against spiritual forces, not flesh and blood.
Thursday: Acts 16:22 - Exposing Evil
Today's Verse Acts 16:22 ESV The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods.
Reflection After the demon was cast out, the attack moved into the physical realm. The violence perpetrated by the greedy owners, the magistrates, and the crowd was a manifestation of rebellion against God. The brutal beating and humiliation occurred because the light of the Gospel exposed their evil works, and people loved the darkness rather than the light. Jesus warned His followers that in this world, we will face trouble when we make progress in exposing evil, and we should expect backlash when the truth comes out.
Additional Scripture
But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice.” The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. Having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. (Acts 16:19-24)
And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:19-21)
Life Application We must not be offended or surprised when we suffer for doing God’s work. Instead, we should view physical suffering, humiliation, or rejection as a reminder that the ministry of Jesus is effective in exposing and overcoming the evil around us. We need to remember that even the most wicked act of violence used by the enemy can be used by the Lord Jesus Christ to defeat the same enemy.
Prayer points
Pray for the resolve to endure suffering for the sake of Christ without pulling out or giving up.
Pray that we would be soldiers who expect conflict, rather than being offended when we are attacked.
Pray for the ability to love and pursue the light, so that our works may be clearly seen as having been carried out in God.
Friday: Acts 16:25 - Worship in the Darkest Hour
Today's Verse Acts 16:25 ESV About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,
Reflection Paul and Silas were at the peak of their suffering—badly beaten, tortured in stocks, and facing the darkest hour ("about midnight"). Yet, their response was spiritual, choosing prayer and praise over anger or despair. This shows us that the weapons of Christian warfare are divine and spiritual. Praise is recognized as a powerful offensive weapon that deals damage to the enemy in the spiritual realm, likened to a two-edged sword. By praising Him despite their agony, they turned their suffering into an act of war, captivating those who were listening.
Additional Scripture
And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for His steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. (2 Chronicles 20:21-22)
Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, (Psalms 149:6)
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. (Ephesians 6:18-20)
Life Application We must be disciplined to turn immediately to prayer and praise when we are feeling pain, oppression, or hopelessness. Recognizing that praise is a weapon should motivate us to worship more earnestly, knowing that we are actively waging war against the forces of evil by glorifying God. Do not be silent in suffering; use your throat to sing His praises.
Prayer points
Pray for the discipline to turn immediately to prayer and praise when we face personal darkness or suffering.
Pray that our praise would be earnest and sincere, making it an effective weapon against the enemy in the spiritual realm.
Pray for the strength to worship Him even when physical circumstances cause great pain.
Saturday: Acts 16:26 - God Shakes the Foundations
Today's Verse Acts 16:26 ESV and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.
Reflection The sudden earthquake was a spectacular act of divine intervention following Paul and Silas's prayer and praise. This miracle shattered the physical strongholds built by human oppression, demonstrating Jesus’ power over all creation and all chains. Although the act was violent—shaking the very foundations—it miraculously resulted in peace, as the prisoners were drawn to the message of the Gospel rather than trying to escape, allowing God to turn the suffering of the apostles into the opportunity for salvation.
Additional Scripture
But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:28-29)
Life Application We must believe in God's power to intervene miraculously in our lives. When we feel chained or stuck in difficult situations, we should trust that He is able to shake the foundations of our problems. We should also be alert to how God uses dramatic and chaotic events to gain the attention of the lost and redirect our us toward His ultimate purpose: the Glory of God and the salvation of others.
Prayer points
Pray for the faith to believe that God's power is strong enough to intervene in our seemingly impossible situations.
Pray that when we witness His mighty works, we respond with humility and obedience.
Pray for liberation from any spiritual or physical bonds that may be holding us captive.
Sunday: Acts 16:31 - Salvation Through Simple Belief
Today's Verse Acts 16:31 ESV And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Reflection After witnessing the earthquake, the jailer's despair led him to ask the ultimate question of eternal hope. Paul’s response is the concise essence of the Gospel: salvation comes through believing in the Lord Jesus. Jesus taught that His death, burial, and resurrection secured this salvation for all who believe. God used every detail of the conflict—the initial subtle attack, the brutal beating, the miracle—to bring the jailer and his entire household to this glorious truth. He later used this family as well as Lydia's to build the church of the Philippians. God works powerfully, using even every detail of the enemy's attacks to bring about His will and complete victory in Jesus Christ.
Additional Scripture
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. (1 Corinthians 15:1-6)
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. (Acts 16:30-32)
Life Application We must know and share the simplicity and clarity of the Gospel message. We should look for opportunities to speak the word of the Lord to our entire household, knowing that salvation is immediate upon genuine faith. We can be completely confident that God uses all things, even the darkest moments, to bring people to faith in Jesus and complete the good work that He started in them.
Prayer points
Pray for clarity and boldness when presenting the simple, core message of the Gospel.
Pray for the salvation of our own families and households, that they may hear the word and believe in Jesus Christ.
Pray for rejoicing in our lives, knowing that no matter how dark it looks, God never loses, and He uses all things to bring about life, hope, and forgiveness through His Son.