Foundational Truths

"'For I know the plans I have for you,'

declares the LORD,

'plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,

and I will listen to you

You will seek me and find me 

when you seek me with all your heart.

I will be found by you,' declares the LORD,

'and will bring you back from captivity.  

I will gather you from all the nations and places 

where I have banished you,'

declares the LORD,

'and will bring you back to the place from which

I carried you into exile.'"

Jeremiah 29:11-14

There are some things I need to know about God and the way He operates, especially when going through the bittersweet time of discipline, hardship and/or trials (James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:4-11).  These foundational truths will help me to press on.

Temporary.  It may seem the hard times last forever, that there is no end in sight.  It makes it challenging to endure when I don't see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Will I ever emerge again into the sunlight?  Am I destined to dwell in this darkness forever?  I despair.  Then I remember that I'm a child of God, bought by the blood of the Son, securely placed in His arms as His most precious possession (1 John 3:1,1 Peter 1:18-20,James 1:18).  He is testing my faith, refining my character, sanctifying me into the image of Jesus (1 Peter 1:7, Psalm 66:10, Romans 8:29).

Therefore, I can confidently proclaim that it is all for my good and His glory, this trouble I face.  But there is even more good news.  It will not last forever.  There will be an end.  Not only is it for my good, but it is temporary.  Knowing there will be an end, even if I cannot detect it, can help me to carry on.

This difficult time I presently face as a child of God is temporary by nature.

Restoration.  I can feel ripped off.  So many things seem to have been taken away from me.  My health.  My financial security.  My youth.  My loved ones.  I've given up a lot to follow Christ, yes, but sometimes I lose things of which I never intended to let go.  In order to whittle down my life to the necessary and to reveal His best for me, God sometimes takes away that which has become a problem, takes up too much space, or has grown into an idol that overshadows God in importance.

It's easy to lament what is gone, acting like Lot's wife, looking back with longing to what I'm leaving behind.  In reality, though, what I'm gaining is far more valuable.  And like the woman of long ago who failed to see how God was rescuing her from the harmful influence of Sodom, I often mourn for what was my undoing.  I must seek a godly perspective that allows me to see the good that God is giving me to replace what He has merciful removed.

If I'm healthy, I may forget I'm dependent upon God's mercy and instead rely on my regimen of diet, exercise and clean living.  If I'm financially secure I may not depend upon my Father who desires to be my sole Provider, instead relying on my bank account.  When I'm young I feel invincible, failing to treasure each moment as a gift of God and instead take tomorrow for granted while wasting today.  While God may take away what has become an idol in my life, He replaces it with something of far greater value.

As a child of God, I can trust Him to restore all I've lost as I walk the narrow path that leads to life.

Homecoming.  God wanted His people who were enduring 70 years of exile in a foreign country that He would gather them back to the Promised Land.  It must have spurred them on to think that they were not destined to live in such a forsaken place forever.  One day, they would return to their beloved homes, united under His headship once again.  

Today, many of God's beloved people are wandering into foreign lands. He faithfully goes after those lost ones, gathering them unto Himself where they will become part of His family. The picture of Jesus as a Good Shepherd who doesn't rest until all of His sheep are safely in the fold is a powerful reminder of His great love for us (John 10:16, Luke 15:1-7).  He died in order to make it possible for all peoples to be united by faith in Him (John 11:52).  And not only do we have the hope of eternity together, but God designed us to live life together in the hear and now.  He placed us firmly within a network of other believers so we can draw strength from each other, encourage one another and constantly lift each other up in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:11, James 5:16).  While heaven's homecoming will be a glorious day, I can experience a taste of that simply by living authentically within His Body today.

My heavenly homecoming can spur me on but my present troubles are not mine to bear alone, as God has given me a family with which to share my joys and sorrows (Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:15).

It is not easy to endure hardship as a child of God.  But there are certain truths I can keep in mind as I walk this rocky path.  I can remember that these present difficulties are only temporary, what has been removed will somehow be restored, and I have a family to lean on, both now and when I'm called to my heavenly home.  With these foundational truths laying the groundwork for my faith, I will be able to press on toward the finish line (Philippians 3:14).

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to build my life on His promises.

When do I build upon a different foundation?

How am I discouraged by today's difficulties?        

Reason to Rejoice

"Sing for joy, O heavens!

Rejoice, O earth!

Burst into song, O mountains!

For the LORD has comforted his people

and will have compassion on them in their suffering.

Yet Jerusalem says,

'The LORD has deserted us;

the Lord has forgotten us.'"

Isaiah 49:13-14 NLT

I have every reason to rejoice yet I often feel depressed, as if God has deserted me, leaving me to face this harsh world alone.  My feelings easily deceive me into thinking all is lost and my life is a waste, in shambles, beyond repair.  Does the suffering I currently endure mean I am forgotten by the One who created me in His image?  Or is my focus off, am I looking in the wrong place? 

Let's take a look at God's promises to His wayward people, and learn how to negotiate this rocky path of life with a song in our heart!

Restoration.  Whether I know it or not, restoration in mine through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.  God responded to the brokenness of the world He created, the bondage His people endured, the darkness in which His sheep groped by sending the long-awaited Messiah (Isaiah 49:8-12).  He sent His Son to make all things right, to free the captives and to shed His Light in a dark world (2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 61:1-3 John 1:5).  And this indescribable response of God still impacts us today.  Even now Jesus is being offered to mankind as a way to restore that which has been ruined by sin.

When I turn away from my sin, ceasing to think of it as my friend and instead embrace this Jesus by faith, donning Him like a garment, I will find the forgiveness I need in order to forge a bond with the One who loves me perfectly.  I then can relate to Him as a daughter to a Father, not an earthly father who sometimes fails and lets me down, but as a heavenly Papa who knows exactly how to provide, lead, and love in a way that quenches every thirst and fulfills every desire.  Through the blood of Jesus, my standing as God's child is reestablished and I am firmly implanted in His family forever (1 John 3:1).

God's promise to restore His people is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14).  Of this great treasure may my heart always sing!

Comfort.  I try to avoid it like I do the IRS, doing whatever I can to keep from being tainted by its agony.  I would do anything to prevent it's access to my life.  Still, suffering comes, inflicting devastation and heartache.  Why can't I catch a break?  I wonder.  Must my life always be tainted by this poison that contaminates the plan I have for my life?  My desire for a pain-free existence?  The expectation that I can enjoy at least a moment free from sorrow?

While it may seem more than I can bear (and perhaps I'm a bit dramatic and narrow in my assessment of the situation I face), there is a great benefit to encountering misery.  If my life was always free from all anguish, I would never experience the comfort of my Father (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).  He consoles my hurting heart in a way that only He can.  I find relief from the pain when I sink into His loving arms, experiencing Him in a more intimate way as I rest in His lovingkindness.  My understanding of His nature grows as I see this caring and gentle side of Him.  Even more astounding is the fact that through Jesus Christ I have access to my Father at all times, able to approach Him in order to receive all that I need in order to negotiate the rocky paths I encounter (Hebrews 4:16).  

God's promise to comfort His people is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ who ushers believers into the presence of the great Comforter.  Of this great treasure may I always rejoice!

Compassion.  The gods of this world are cold and calculating, each with an agenda of their own that brings about some form of suffering upon their people.  While they are impotent to actually become who their legends proclaim them to be, millions subscribe to their beliefs, appeasing them with the hope that they can give some sort of favor.  Followers are willing to risk the consequences that may come from trusting in such a risky proposition with the chance that they might benefit from such a relationship.  There is always the risk, however, of ticking off the gods and enduring their retaliation.

Thankfully, God is not prone to flying off the handle and lashing out in a rage.  In fact, if He were to truly give mankind what we deserved, we wouldn't live another moment (Psalm 103:10, 130:3).  In His mercy He allows each of His image-bearers ample time to come around to our senses so that we can accept the free gift of salvation He offers through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9).  As is written, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." (Lamentations 3:22).  Nowhere is this love more evident than in the sending of God's precious Son to save a wicked people (Romans 5:8).  

God's promise to have compassion on His people is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.  May this great treasure always cause me to burst into song!

Living in this dark world can leave me in despair.  I tend to look around me at all that is wrong and look within and find nothing good.  When I turn my eyes upon Jesus, however, and see Him for who He is, I discover there is much to set my heart to singing!  I've been restored, am given the benefit of a wonderful Comforter and daily discover how much he cares.  In Jesus Christ I have every reason to rejoice!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to see Him as He truly exists.

When do I focus on the mess around me instead of on God's goodness?

How am I now receiving the comfort of God?        

How to Strengthen Our Knees

"With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,

and encourage those who have weak knees.

Say to those with fearful hearts,

'Be strong, and do not fear,

for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.

He is coming to save you.'"

Isaiah 35:3-4

I remember a silly scene in an unknown film, possibly Monty Python, where some men were buried up to their knees in the ground.  As my memory goes, they laid down and stood up in tandem while chanting, "We must strengthen our knees!"  Even though I was unable to find the clip as I remembered it, today's scripture passage brought this scene to mind.  When times are tough and it seems there's nothing for which to live and I'm weary and weak in the knees from fear or worry, Jesus will give me hope and courage to press on.

Restoration.  It's not always going to be like this.  Entropy rules in this fallen world.  Everything moves toward chaos and disorder.  It all is deteriorating in one way or another.  My body is aging; skin loses elasticity, muscles and tendons lose flexibility and strength, organs wear out, joints cease working properly, cancer threatens.  Similarly, relationships tend to fall apart.  If no effort is made to improve, no input of energy made toward building bonds, they too deteriorate.  Even my garden left to its own devices will become covered in weeds and the plants would die of neglect.  Without my constant attention, little fruit would be produced.

It's no wonder I need a master Gardener to tend to my soul (John 15:5).  I need the hope that comes from knowing that His Spirit is at work within me, growing me and transforming me into the woman He originally created me to be ( Philippians 2:13, Romans 12:2): The me that was His design apart from the sin that now corrupts it.  While I'm in this world I'll never fully achieve His vision for me, but I have the hope that He continues to work in me, never giving up (Philippians 1:6). 

God is a God of restoration who is always at work returning His image bearers to their original condition with the full realization coming when Christ returns (Isaiah 35:1-2).  I have hope in Christ!

Splendor.  It's sometimes hard to see.  I really have to look for it.  It's there but I often focus on the broken, the ugly, the hurtful that blares up in my face.  The beauty is quiet, not vying for my attention like the shattered is.  It's easy to see the litter strewn along the road but fail to appreciate the wildflowers growing among the tall grass in the ditch.  Or the fluffy, white clouds looming above the parched, barren land.  Or the sparkling eyes peering out of the face mangled by horror beyond imagination.  

There will come a time when God's splendor will be displayed for all to see.  There will no longer be any doubt that Jesus is Lord as every knee bows to His magnificent beauty (Philippians 2:9-11).  All will see with clear eyes, no longer hampered by sin.  Some will rejoice at His coming, others will weep and gnash their teeth as they realize they missed His majesty when they had the chance to get to know Him (Luke 13:22-30).

God is a God of splendor that is fully displayed in the glory of His Son (Hebrews 1:3).  I have hope in Christ!

Salvation.  I'm broken in so many ways, inside and out.  The world is also messed up as everything is turned upside down with evil reigning and good being suppressed.  Pain is the mantra of the broken.  To where can I turn to find help?  Who will rescue me?  My greatest fear is to be left all alone without anyone to call out to, that the evil criminal is pounding on my door and when I call 9-1-1,no one answers.  From where does my help come in times such as these?

I need a Savior, and I've found Him in Christ Jesus.  He's the strong One, the brave One, the compassionate One.  Not only does He care, but He has the power to save.  And He has. In dying on the cross He destroyed the power of sin and death, the root of all evil, the thing that ruins beauty, and ushered me into a state of forgiveness where I'm made right with God (Hebrews 2:14, 2 Timothy 1:10, Romans 6:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21).  And if God is by my side, who can really hurt me (Romans 8:31)?  Who is greater than God that they could overpower Him?  No, Jesus is the Victor and I am His beneficiary by faith (Romans 8:37).  In Him, I have the hope of freedom from anything that I could ever fear.

God is a God of salvation delivered through faith in Jesus Christ.  I have hope in Christ!

It's easy to get downhearted in this broken world filled with heartache and things to fear.  I can quickly become overcome with fear and worry.  But in Christ I have hope.  I have restoration, God's splendor revealed, and salvation in Him.  This is the hope that can strengthen my knees and empower me to stand firm until the end!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to keep my eyes on Jesus no matter what is thrown my way.

How do I get so overwhelmed with the bad that I cannot see the good that is coming through Christ?

When do I see only the hurt and not the good that comes from it?       

Dependence

"O LORD, listen to my cry;

give me the discerning mind you promised.

Listen to my prayer;

rescue me as you promised."

Psalm 119:169-170

In most things, the better I get, the less help I need.  When first learning to ride a bike, for instance, I needed my dad to hold the bike while I steadied myself, getting used to turning the pedals with my feet while balancing on two wheels.  As I got the hang of it, he held on less tightly and eventually was able to let go as I learned to ride by myself.  Before you knew it, I was speeding around the neighborhood on my little green Schwinn with the banana seat and the tassle-adorned handlebars.

I sometimes think it's like this in my walk of faith, as well.  Instead, it is backwards from this concept:  The longer I've walked with Jesus, the closer I get to my Father through faith in Jesus, the more I need Him.  As I mature, I come to realize more and more how I am totally dependent upon Him.  His ministry is vital.

Help.  It's not an easy path to walk.  For one thing, it feels unnatural, against my natural inclinations.  My feet desire the wide, flat surface of the road that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).  It's hard for me to keep up a steady pace when I'm continually running into potholes, obstacles, and other hardships.  I then say as the psalmist said, "Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts." (Psalm 119:173)

Once I commit to Jesus, the going will be sweet as I am restored to the woman I was created to be and enjoy His precious companionship, but the path itself is rocky and hard.  I'll find myself going through trial after trial, hardship followed by hardship, all for the sake of purification, sanctification, molding me into the image of Christ.  I'll find myself more often than not in the minority, sticking out like a cat in a pack of dogs.  I find I can't do it in my own strength.  I desperately need God's ever-present help in order to stay the course (Psalm 46:1, Ephesians 6:13).

The ministry of God's help is vital to my ability to live as He has called me to live.

Salvation.  As I keep in step with the Spirit, I experience restoration.  He has a supernatural way of shaping me into my intended form, of returning me to my original pre-sin condition, of making me into the daughter He meant for me to be.  This transformation process is constantly in the works as I cooperate with what He's doing in my life.  It's not just the salvation from eternal punishment that I need, it goes much deeper than that, touching every fiber of my being.

As I grow in faith and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I long for this continuous rescue process, this putting-of-myself-back-together, this restoration (Psalm 119:174).  His still, small voice instructing me in His ways becomes sweet music to my ears instead of dreaded correction to my defiant flesh.  I learn to depend on this continuous process of salvation from my destructive ways.

The ministry of God's salvation and restoration is vital to my growth and maturation as a disciple of Christ.

Finding.  I easily forget.  I tend to stray.  I am often distracted by the shiny, luring objects of this world.  Since it's so hard for me to stay on track, sticking to the race that has been marked out for me, I need God's finding Spirit (Hebrews 12:1).  He is a true Shepherd, dedicated to seeking me out not matter how many times I get lost or abandon His company (Psalm 119:176). 

And I desperately need to be found.  Even though I love God's best for me, I'm easily ensnared by the traps of the enemy, quickly drawn away by the attractions of this world, without difficulty fallen prey to my own body of death (Romans:7:24).  I am completely dependent upon the seeking, finding nature of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The ministry of God's finding Spirit is vital to my ability to stick with my Shepherd.

The closer I get to Jesus, the more I realize my need for Him.  I'm desperate for God's help, His salvation, and His willingness to find me when I stray.  The stronger my relationship with Him and the more mature I become in my faith, the more I realize my dependence upon Him.  While dependence in this world is seen as a weakness, this is the kind of dependence that gives me a strength that no one can deny.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him help me when I need it today.

How do I stubbornly insist on doing life on my own instead of learning to depend on God?

When am I buying into the world's message of self-sufficiency?

  

Progression of Faith

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"What shall I return to the LORD

for all his goodness to me?"

Psalm 116:12

There is nothing more hurtful and aggravating than to be ignored or misunderstood, especially in a time of crisis. On the flip side, it is especially endearing when someone takes the time and effort to understand my dilemma, to feel my pain, to care enough to listen.  It makes me feel valuable and like I'm worth the time it takes to comprehend my situation.

God is always faithful to show this kind of loving kindness to me.  Even though there are billions of people crying out to Him, He is big enough to listen to each of us.  Therefore, my pleas for help never fall on deaf ears.  His sensitive hearing encourages my dependence on Him, and as I see with my own eyes how He is faithful and dependable, I learn to trust Him more and more.  When I put my faith in Jesus Christ and enter into a personal relationship with Him, I will find there is a progression of faith that takes place.

Rescue.  The crisis hits, the attacks come, the worst nightmare plays out.  I feel like the whole world is against me, like I can't catch a break, as if there is some kind of curse on my life.  In the midst of my despair, I take a chance and reach out to God, trusting Him even a tiny bit to help, to offer some kind of assistance, to spare me complete destruction.  

A miracle-of-the-heart is born.  Deep inside I sense a glimmer of hope, a white light flickering in the darkness of my soul, a feeling that everything will be okay despite the enormity of the problem I face.  Comfort comes as my confidence in the future returns (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).  Even though I felt ready to end it all, like there was no other choice but to succumb to the forces of evil, my Father of compassion lifts me out of the muck and sets my feet on solid ground (Psalm 40:2).  I remember my worth and the strength to carry on returns.  It was worth taking a risk and calling out to God in the midst of my suffering.

When I trust in God enough to believe He can help me, I will find salvation come in many different ways.

Restoration.  I never thought I'd walk in peace again, that my soul would be restored, that the tears of my eyes would ever dry up.  But here I am, back in the land of the living, so to speak.  

Even though I spent some time wallowing in self-pity, focused only on what was wrong, overwhelmed by the tragedies of life, my faith in the God who is above all things has returned.  Despite the fact that I was on the edge of sanity, close to losing my battle, soundness of mind and wholeness of health has returned.  While my heart wavered as doubt became my mantra, a firmness of heart came back.  Now a steadiness of step has resumed as God has restored my faith in Him.

As I receive salvation from the God in whom I trust I will discover restoration, and my faith in Him builds.

Response.  How do I respond in the face of such rescue and restoration?  What can I give to a God who has everything?  How do I react when I experience the hand of God at work in my life?  It seems the more I see of Him, the more I want to place myself in His hands.

At the beginning of this walk with Jesus, I didn't really know much about Him.  I was feeling my way through, learning what it meant to live in companionship with Him.  Since I wasn't quite sure, I didn't place a whole lot of faith in Him.  Over time, as I saw His faithfulness, I placed more and more of my trust in Him.  I also found more for which to thank and praise Him.  Before I knew it, I was more and more dependent upon Him.  I expect by the end of my life I will more fully realize just how fragile is my life and how much I need Him.

When I see God save me in so many different ways, receiving restoration, I can't help but respond with even more faith in Him.

Faith is not stagnant, staying at one level for all of my life.  Instead, I discover that the more I witness His rescue, experiencing restoration, I respond with even more faith in Him.  This is the progression of my faith as I walk with Jesus through thick and thin.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to let Him work out the latest crisis in a way that will bring glory to Him.

How do I back away from God when things get hard, letting today's crisis overcome my faith?

When have I experienced a return of wholeness and health, and what was my response?  

His Face Shines

"Restore us, O God;

make your face shine on us,

that we may be saved."

Psalm 80:3

My life lies in a precarious balance, so dependent upon the mercy of God am I.  Do I realize how fragile is this day I often take for granted?  How I assume the sun will rise up over the horizon in glorious splendor!  I step out of bed each morning at the beckoning of my alarm, not thinking twice that I've been given such a gift as another day to live.  My routine comforts me as I prepare my tea and tidy the house, but Who is it that hold my life in His hands?

It is my desire that I adopt the attitude of Asaph who realized how desperately he needed the restoring presence of the Lord.  I want to really grasp how much one fraction of a beam of His Light can return my life back to what He meant for me to be.  All I need is Him, and I will be saved.

Leadership.  Jesus was moved to compassion whenever He saw the crowds that desperately reached out to Him for help.  They wanted to hear the truth of the Good News, they longed for connection and craved healing of all sorts.  He saw them as sheep without a shepherd, eager for a leader they could trust to give them guidance and direction (Matthew 9:35-38, Mark 6:31-34).

I, too, am like those people who flocked toward Jesus as He walked the earth.  I need guidance and direction, and like in times of old, I have that leadership in Jesus Christ.  He is my Good Shepherd who came to lead me down paths of righteousness for His namesake (John 10:11-16, Psalm 23).  He shows me the path of life and helps me negotiate it's narrow, rocky way (Matthew 7:13-14).

I desperately need the leadership that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Belonging.  I go to great lengths to try to belong, to fit in somewhere.  It is human nature to desire a family of some kind.  Some find this place in a gang who claims to care but is rooted in blood and power.  Others look for belonging at work, attempting to connect with co-workers who may be only looking out for their own best interest.  A few marry quickly, in need of making a family with the first one who shows interest, only to find there is nothing to bind them together and strife becomes their hallmark.  

All of mankind needs some kind of relationship, a connection with another living being in order to survive.  Even Grizzly Adams, the based-on-real-life television character who lived out in the wilderness alone, had his menagerie of creatures to give him a sense of companionship.  

No matter where I live or the direction in which my life goes, through faith in Christ I have this belonging.  I am His and He is mine, adopted into His family as His well-loved child (1 John 3:1, Psalm 100:3).  As such, I am part of a group of other believers from all walks of life who share my love for our Father.  Despite how things may look as we go through life together, we are a royal family who is well-cared for by the King of kings and Lord of lords.

I desperately need the sense of belonging that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

Provision.  I like to think I'm fine on my own, able to take care of myself, thank you very much.  I appreciate Someone caring enough to look out for me, but I often think there are some things I'd rather handle on my own.  I've fooled myself into believing I'm good at providing the things I need for life.

In reality, He gives me all I have (Psalm 8).  I used to think this thought was ludicrous.  When I reviewed my life, it occurred to me that I drove myself to work every day where I earned money to buy the things I needed and came back to the house I rented and kept clean and filled with the necessities of life.  I just didn't see where God fit into the picture.  Over the years, He opened my eyes to the reality of my dependence upon Him, whether I know it or not.  I realized that without Him, I couldn't even take the next breath let alone get out of bed and start my day.  This is my Father's world, and without Him, there is nothing for me to stand upon, no life to live, no heart to beat (Psalm 19).

I desperately need God's favor that comes through faith in Jesus Christ and gives me each moment of life and all that is necessary to continue living.

Like the psalmist, I desire God's face to shine on me because I know He is my only hope for restoration in this broken world.  I need His leadership, the belonging, and the provision of His sovereign hand that all come through faith in Jesus Christ (John 14:6).  My life is in His hands, but there is no other place I'd rather rest!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God with every detail, knowing that He is more than able to take care of me.

When do I hold back, attempting to do things on my own instead of letting God provide in the way He desires to care for me as His child?

How am I bent on self-sufficiency instead of dependence?       

Behind the Scenes

"If my land has cried out against me

and its furrows have wept together,

if I have eaten its yield without payment

and made its owners breathe their last,

let thorns grow instead of wheat,

and foul weeds instead of barley."

Job 31:38-40 ESV

Job wracked his brain for what he did to deserve such suffering.  In his mind, he'd been unfairly treated, given a raw deal for no apparent reason.  Since I have read his story many times, though, I have the advantage of knowing how it all came about (Job 1:6-12, 2:1-6) as well as what happens at the end (Job 42).  It is apparent to me, and perhaps to you, that God had His own purpose that He is working out behind the scenes.  

The same is true for you and me.

Compliment.  I've heard of backhanded compliments, but this one may be the ultimate.  While it might be nice to think that God holds such a high opinion of my faith that He knows I won't turn from Him no matter what I go through, it doesn't necessarily ease the pain of the testing.  I'm sure it would have been of little consolation for Job to have gained this insight about his circumstances.

Still, it's better to be on this side of God than on the other, where I am known as the doubter who constantly turns away from the truth.  Or as the fearful one who is afraid to fully trust Him.  Or as the lukewarm one who doesn't care one way or the other.

To have my faith tested means that I am treasured by God, that He thinks of me and considers how He can show me what my faith is made of, giving me insight into the power of the Holy Spirit at work within me.  Going through times of trial that are meant to grow my resolve as a follower of Christ, give me perseverance to keep hanging onto the hope I have in Christ (James 1:3-4). It is then that I'll know that my faith is real (1 Peter 1:7).

When I go through hard times, I can trust that God is at work behind the scenes testing my faith.

Limits.  I live in the world that us ruled by my enemy (John 14:30, 2 Corinthians 4:4).  It is his mission, in part, to steal the peace that is mine in Christ, to kill the love God has put in my heart, and to destroy my faith in the God who loves me perfectly (John 10:10a).

While it is his world to rule for now, Satan is not without limits.  It is clear from the story of Job that my enemy must have the permission of God in order to mess with me.  If Satan wants to use a tactic against me, he must first go through my Father for clearance.  Since God is a good God who is for me, not against me, and He has promised that He will work all things for my good, then I can be sure that whatever He allows into my life will bring about fruit (Romans 8:31,8:28, Jeremiah 29:11).

This brings the assurance of God's sovereignty into my trial.  If it's come into my life, that means it has passed through my Father's hands and He has deemed it as necessary for my development as His child.  The suffering is not in vain nor without reason, but will be used to hone my shape into that of Christ's, in the same way that a sculptor uses a hard tool to define the details into his masterpiece (Romans 8:29).

When I go through hard times, I can trust that God is at work behind the scenes overseeing Satan's tactics.

Ending.  "And they all lived happily ever after."  While that ending may only come about in fairy tales, I do have the assurance as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ that He will finish what He has started in my life (Philippians 1:6).  He is faithful to accomplish His purposes in my life.  

Furthermore, while my life may not end the way I expect, I have the hope of heaven where I will be perfectly restored to my original condition.  In other words, the body I now dwell in that is ravaged by sin and darkness will be made new, transformed into an immortal one (1 Corinthians 15:53-54).  This gives me hope as I suffer in this broken shell-of-a body.

Even more exciting is how I will be reunited with my Father who loves me and given a place in His home as His child by faith (John 14:2 , 1 John 2:28-3:1).  The ending is pretty sweet indeed.

When I go through hard times, I can trust that God is at work behind the scenes bringing about the perfect ending.

In the same way that Job was not aware of what was going on out of his sight, I am similarly oblivious to God's hand at work in my life.  Knowing that He trusts me enough to test me, is overseeing the work of my enemy, and will bring about His purposes perfectly at the end can give me courage to persevere.  My suffering is not in vain because God is always at work behind the scenes.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God even when I don't know what He's doing.

When do I doubt because I can't see or understand what's going on?

How am I angry because God seems to be withholding good things instead of trusting Him to bring about His best for me?

After the Storm

"That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther

the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews.

And Mordecai came into the presence of the king,

for Esther had told how he was related to her.

The king took off his signet ring,

which he had reclaimed from Haman,

and presented it to Mordecai.

And Esther appointed him over Haman's estate."

Esther 8:1-2

God's way is far superior to mine (Isaiah 55:8-9).  Often, though, I avoid the very thing He uses to grow my faith, build my confidence in Him, and further His plan.  I want a clean, orderly life where I am in control of what I experience.  This, however, will rob me of the good that comes through the storm.

Restoration.  Job experienced it (Job 42:10-17).  Nebuchadnezzar, proud king of Babylon, knew of this characteristic of God (Daniel 4:36).  The nation of Israel tasted this many times (Joel 2:25-27).  God is a God of restoration.

I grew up as a Girl Scout and there was one principle that was drilled into me.  Every time we went camping, or hiking, or participated in any outdoor activity, we were always asked, "Did we leave this place better than we found it?" This guideline of good stewardship has stuck with me through adulthood.

In the same way I learned to try to improve upon the spaces I utilize in life, God uses the same kind of principle.  As a lavishly generous God, when He restores what was removed due to punishment, testing or the attack of the enemy, He loves to give me more than what I had before.  He delights in improving my situation, topping my previous best, or prospering my life in some way (not always materially).

Thus, I have hope.  When the night is the darkest I can choose to believe the light will come.  When chaos seems to rule I can choose to trust God to bring order and beauty.  When nothing good can be found I can choose the path of faith, knowing without a doubt that there is unseen goodness all around me.

If I can endure through the trial, I will find that God is a God who delivers restoration after the storms of life.

Elevation.  I live in a world where self-exaltation is taught.  I am encouraged to think highly of myself, to believe in myself, and to work hard to promote myself.  Since I'm naturally inclined to be self-centered, selfish and self-conscious, I readily buy into this mindset.

Coming into contact with Christ, however, as my personal Lord and Savior, I find a different principle at work.  In God's kingdom the first will be last and those who desire greatness must strive for servanthood.  Instead of seeking to promote myself, then, I learn I am to submit to God and His plan for my life and He will be the one to do the exalting (1 Peter 5:6, James 4:10).

The funny thing is that while I live according to my flesh, I want nothing more than to be recognized, to be noticed or to be promoted in some way.  As I grow closer to Jesus, though, He works to humble me and I find my priorities shifting.  What once was so important now means very little (Philippians 3:7-12).  When God does elevate me to a higher profile, then, it is more of a responsibility than an achievement.  Instead of my chest swelling with pride over my position, my head bows low out of a desire to bring glory to God.

If I can endure through the trial, I will find that God will lift me up.

Tables Turned.  Drugs were sold.  Gangs convened.  Mischievous youth hung out.  Vandalism and raucous behavior ruled.  Our neighborhood swimming pool was more of a cesspool of sorts, attracting all sorts of darkness.

Through the love of God, however, that place was turned into a center for youth and family activities.  Instead of loitering hoodlums, little girls and boys listened to stories and made craft projects.  In place of trouble-makers overtaking the facility, teen girls looking for positive reinforcement began showing up.  While Saturday nights used to be the pinnacle of partying, it was changed to a time when families could enjoy a wholesome movie together and have a fun time with their neighbors.  God has a way of turning the tables on evil.

Satan may mean something for destruction, but God can turn it into something edifying.  The world has an agenda that destroys families, but God can use that very campaign to bring about sustenance and healing.  Evil seeks to ruin but God is always at work building up.

If I can endure through the trial, I will get to see the tables being turned.

It can be hard to stand firm, holding onto my faith during hard times.  The storm can get so strong that I'm tempted to let go, giving in to my doubts and fears.  If I hang on, though, I will discover that God restores what was lost, elevates those who are humbled, and turns the tables on evil.  In so doing, I discover the good that comes after the storm.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to hang on as the trial swirls around me.

When do I look for the path of least resistance instead of holding firm to what I know?

What kind of restoration do I need in my life?