Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world– Acts 15:18

Perhaps you have known, even recently, the unsettling and sorrowful experience of receiving a phone call, or a doctor’s report, or an employer’s notice that delivered unexpected and tragic news — “You have cancer.” “We’re letting you go.” “Your loved one has been in an accident.” No matter what form these moments take in our particular situation, they always remind us of our personal frailty and inability to control the details of our lives.

The great consolation from God’s Word, however, is that God never has such moments. He is never surprised by calamity that befalls us, He is never taken back by sudden tragedy, His plans are never disrupted by the unexpected. In short, He is never at a loss for a solution to any problem…or for the power to implement it… or for the wisdom to make sure it is the right solution.

God knows all His works (and subsequently, obviously, the events those works will be connected with) from the beginning of the world. It is for this reason that God can, and does, give us such rock-solid assurances in the midst of earth-shattering catastrophes. “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5); “my grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9); “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28); “trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:3).

Beloved, in your moments of overwhelming pain, or grief, or disappointment, flee to the God Who is never disappointed or surprised, but is touched by the feelings of your infirmities. Rush to Him, rest in Him, believe on Him.–Baptist Bible Hour

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name– Psalm 100:4

The Bible has much to say about thankfulness, yet most folks don’t think much about it unless they are seeking it from others. They expect it without extending it. But were we more thoughtful we would be more thankful. A devotion from the Baptist Bible Hour has this to say about the subject:

The need of having a thankful heart is addressed both in the Old and New Testaments.  Here in Psalm 100:4 we are admonished to “be thankful”. In the Colossian epistle, Paul again exhorts “be ye thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

A thankful heart is a humble heart. There is no complaining that “I deserve more than I have.” There is no grumbling against the providences which cannot be understood. There is gratitude for every blessing received. There is an acknowledgment made, as was spoken by the patriarch Jacob, “I am not worthy of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast showed unto thy servant” (Genesis 32:10a).

How gracious is the Lord to have bestowed His saving mercy on us as unworthy sinners. What a privilege to be able to offer “the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15). May we enter His presence this day with praise and thanksgiving.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain– Philippians 1:21

We read about heaven, we hear sermons about heaven, we sing about heaven; but still we are apprehensive about death. God has built into us a desire to live, and it should be our goal to be able to say with the Apostle, “to live is Christ.” Even with the remarkable experiences Paul had with the Lord he was still pressing toward the mark and desired to know Christ more intimately. May we each day in our fellowship with our Savior become more like Him in our walk and more dedicated in His service.

But as Paul continued to labor zealously in the kingdom of God, he thought and wrote a lot about heaven. He wrote that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to come. He informs us that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord and that we shall forever be with Him. No wonder, then, he would write, “to die is gain.”

It meant to gain freedom from the weaknesses of the flesh so that he would never again have to say, “O wretched man that I am!” He would gain the joy of living with Christ forever; he would gain the benefits of the inheritance which is reserved for all the saints.

He felt, though, a conflict. He had a desire to depart and to be with Christ but also saw it was needful to remain and minister to the churches. Surely, as God’s children, we should long to be with the Lord, but see there is work to be done here and want to labor faithfully until we are called home.– A Good Thing

“ Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:9

Sometimes, during difficult days, we feel that we have been singled out and forced to suffer unfairly. We are often tempted to think that no one has it worse than we. But our text assures us that isn’t really true. Life is hard for everyone. James Smith, Spurgeon’s predecessor, put it like this:

“Every child in the Lord’s family has his own bitter cup — and he must drink the exact mixture which it contains. But we often think that our portion is more bitter, or that our cup contains more sorrow — than that of our brother. At times, looking at some of the Lord’s people, we imagine that they escape the cross, and are spared the trials — that we are called to endure.

It is common for Satan to tempt us to think that our case is unusual, and our trials uncommonly severe. We must not believe him. We dare not listen to him. His design is to make us rebel against God, envy His people, and to fill us with self-pity and complaining. Our case is not unusual! “Your brethren throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings!”

Are we harassed and tempted by Satan? So are all the brethren.

Are we tried in our home life? So are they.

Do we have sharp and bitter conflicts of soul? So do they.

Are we tempted to complain of bereavements, or bitter trials in the world? So are they.

Are we tempted to doubt and fear? So are they.

Tried as you are, timid as you are, tempted to doubt as you are — while in faith and submission you still cling to Jesus, you are in the footsteps of the flock. The thousands who are now in glory — have felt just as you do, when they were on earth.

You may find it hard to believe this — but it is nevertheless true. You will be surprised by and by to find how much the experience of the Lord’s people is alike. Not only so — but Jesus Himself suffered before us and was tried in all points like as we are. He is therefore able to help and support us, and He will do so.

Beloved Father, I thank You that You will not allow me to be tempted above what I am able to bear with Your help, and that You will help me through every trial”

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:–1 Peter 4:12