His Hand At This Time

Psa. 33:14 From His dwelling place He looks out

On all the inhabitants of the earth,

15 He who fashions the hearts of them all,

He who understands all their works.

            Life is about the circumstances in which we live.  They range on a scale from easy to difficult, joyful to sorrow, and pleasant to painful.  Each circumstance shapes our lives and molds our personality.  James tells us that we should consider it all joy when we face difficult circumstances because it builds character and hope.  Paul says that God works every circumstance for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.  He also tells us that we should give thanks in all things for this is the will of God.

            Growing up in a country whose worldview revolves around a right to pursue life, liberty and happiness, has caused us to believe that struggle and hardships are outside the purview of God’s will.  I was in a discussion one day where are a young lady believed that God would never cause or allow hardship in a believers life; that situations like this are the consequence of faithlessness.  It is true that God’s desire is to bring redemption to his creation, wipe away tears, and take away all pain and suffering.  However, that is not the reality now.  Peter describes our suffering as lite and temporary, and that we are to be patient through them until the Lord returns.  It is at the consummation of the ages that God’s reclamation of his handiwork will take place, and the reality of redemption will be finalized.  Our patience allows others the time to be brought into the kingdom and enjoy salvation through faith in Jesus.

            This doesn’t mean that we should not pursue peaceful and joyful lives; Paul admonishes us to seek peaceful lives, so that the gospel can be shared without hindrance.  Yet, Paul also says that we should be content in whatever situation comes our way, in wealth or poverty.   Jesus said that our focus should be on kingdom living not on the pursuit of physical gain.  Kingdom living is the outworking of the love of God, through us, to a hurting world.  Kingdom living seeks justice for the oppressed, food for the hungry, healing for the sick, and acceptance for the disenfranchised.  Kingdom living is reconciliation between God and man, and between brother and sister, father and mother, and children and parents.  Kingdom living is about forgiveness.

            We seldom ask the “why” question when things are going well, but when they aren’t, “Why did you allow me to lose my job,”  “Why did you allow my baby to die,”  “Why did you allow me to get cancer,”  “Why haven’t you allowed me to _______.”  What does God say?  “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you face various trials…” Because I am in control; I will bring your circumstances full circle; I am your joy!

            When we come to understand that God’s sovereignty is coupled with His goodness, then we can come to terms with our circumstances.  When we come to terms with God’s sovereignty we are patient in our circumstances allowing God to have his perfect work in us.  When we believe in God’s sovereignty our circumstance is of no consequence…I’m just saying.