In the eighth letter, Uncle Screwtape is getting aggravated with his nephew Wormwood’s inexperience.  Wormwood hopes his patient’s religious phase will fade away based on Screwtape’s explanation of the law of Undulation, details of God’s master plan, and how those plans contrast from Satan’s master plans.

Uncle Screwtape describes the law of Undulation as a series of peaks and troughs (valleys) – the highs and the lows, the mountaintops and the valleys – that play through every human life.  This law applies to every activity in our lives and the patients life – including work, family, friends, our affections, physical appetites and eventually our faith.  Some live for the ups while others ignore the downs.  Others may seek to avoid extremes and remain in the status quo.

James does not says “IF” you will experience trials, but “WHEN”!!!  Trials are not elective and optional. They are required as part of being a human in a sinful world.  God uses trials to refine us and build our faith.  Satan uses trials to distract us and to trip us up by focusing on self instead of God.

Recently, Cindy and I attended the broadway musical the Sound of Music at the Bass Performance Hall in Ft. Worth Texas.  Before the play, the orchestra was warming up; they were all playing individually at the same time and sounded awful.  Then the maestro came out, and the opening song began to play flawlessly.  God uses Peaks and Troughs to orchestrate our lives according to His master plan.  Our God is Sovereign and His Providence is masterful!!  God weaves the trials and high-points into our lives with perfection.  God wants us to depend on Him and trust him.   God wants to supply our needs.

Ephesians 4:22-24 supports Screwtape’s argument that God wants to fill the universe with little replicas of Himself who voluntarily choose to love and serve Him.  These verses have the idea of hanging into a different set of clothes.  As we put on new clothes it not only changes the way you look but will also start causing your attitude to become more like Christ.  As a Christian ideal our will should freely conform to His.

God’s relationship with us: 

• Servants to become sons
• Give out
• Fill us
• draw us to Him but be distinct

Satan’s relationship with us:

• Cattle to become food
• Suck in
• Empty us
• Absorb us into Him

God does not force His will on us.  He does not program us as robots to do His plan.  God desires a relationship with us.  When we are save, we are new creatures.  Our eternity is secured in Heaven.  He desires for us to depend on Him and to follow His commandments in obedience to His Word.   Ps 23 is actually a promise when you read it.

Psalm 23King James Version (KJV)

23 (if) The Lord is my shepherd; (then) I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.