2020 has been quite a year so far, wouldn’t you say? God’s been reminding us that we’re not in charge of the world—including things like viruses. He’s also been showing us that hardship is a place we discover our limits and his sufficiency—and that is good.
It’s important for all who trust in Jesus to live out that faith by resting in God’s presence, power, and purposes amidst all the troubles that come along. Make time to recite Romans 8:28 daily: “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Yes, all things.
The Prophet Habakkuk is disturbed at the sins of God’s people, so he pleads, “God, do something!” To which the Lord replies: “I am doing something—but I’m working in ways you would not believe!” (1:5). You see, God is entirely free to defy our expectations.
In fact, he has a track record of achieving great good in round-about ways—like bringing Joseph to power in Egypt by means of painful rejection and wrongful imprisonment for many years, only to turn the tables on history by putting Joseph in a position to preserve Israel during a catastrophic seven-year famine (Genesis 50:20).
Don’t put God in a box—like that nice, convenient, keep-me-comfy-or-you-are-not-a-good-God box. Instead, dare to trust in Jesus so deeply that, when trouble strikes and you can’t see the good in any of it, a spiritual reflex kicks in to say, “Wait, the Lord must be up to something!” Be at peace. The Father loves you!
Think what we read in Psalm 119: “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.… It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (vv 67, 71). Good ends from harsh experiences—trials that humble our proud hearts.
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17). Yes, God is up to things you won’t believe. Be still, wait, and watch!
