“Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”- Isa. 46:10
God is actively training us each day of our lives. Some of this training is easily evident to us. Bible study, prayer, church involvement, missions, and community with other believers all equip and prepare us for His work. There is, however, some other not-so-obvious training He uses. This comes in the form of bad news, sickness, grief, job losses, relationship struggles, financial hardship, and mistreatment from others. How do such things prepare us for anything good when they seem so bad? How can brokenness make us stronger? It seems backwards, but God can do it. He has done it throughout time in the lives of His people.
Take a quick survey of the Bible and you will find example after example of how God used the seemingly bad for His greater purposes. Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, David, and Elijah are just a few examples. And the greatest example is Jesus Christ. How must things have seemed on the day that He hung dying? What do you think His followers thought as they witnessed the execution of an innocent man – their beloved Rabbi and friend? Could they have even fathomed the good that would come from His death?
These biblical examples remind us that God is infinitely wise. He is in control of our lives, even when things seem out of control. We can trust His ways. We can rely on His goodness. We must humble ourselves before our King, remembering that He has a plan for each of us; and anything He allows into our lives is intended to prepare us for His service. (James Merritt)
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
