Prepared or Perplexed?

The New Year 2020 has begun and for many of us that is really good news….you see, many of us figure as awful as last year was,  SURELY this year will have to be better….however, I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but this may not be true.

Now, many of us are suffering from lost jobs, lost incomes, lost clients, lost savings and investments and maybe even the loss of a loved one. But our ability to function and find joy in the New Year should not be determined by our circumstances….for God may be using our problems to prepare us for greater things to come …or He may be testing our trust, faith and resilience in these difficult days…or He may be correcting, punishing and reshaping our behavior for sins or disobedience in the past….whatever the reason, the Christian walk is not without its problems and difficulties.

There are many well-intentioned orators and preachers of the highly acclaimed “success and prosperity” religion that is so popular with the masses these days; however, these men and women seem to have left out a number of biblical passages that deal with God using our problems to prepare us for greater service. One of my favorites is found in Hebrews that reads, “Let God train you, for he is doing what any loving father does for his children. Whoever heard of a son who was never corrected? Our earthly fathers trained us for a few brief years, doing the best for us that they knew how, but God’s correction is always right and for our best good, that we may share His holiness (my emphasis). Being punished isn’t enjoyable while it is happening-it hurts! But afterwards we can see the results, a quiet growth in grace and character.” Hebrews 12:7, 10-11 (The Living Bible.)

As you look back on the pitfalls, problems and perplexities of this past year, don’t fall into the mindset that says you are doomed and nothing good can come out of the situation in which you now find yourself…rather understand that even our Savior lived in and through the midst of his problems …and in all the areas of life, He was victorious. Neither the scorn or prejudice of the Pharisees nor the grumblings of the religious leaders held Him back from seeking and doing the Father’s will. He had temptations, problems, desires, and yet, He was without sin... for He knew that each moment spent in self-pity would take Him away from service to his Heavenly Father.

So, this year, look back at last years failures, problems or difficulties and see what it might have been that God was trying to teach you….TRUST….OBEDIENCE…FAITH….ACCEPTANCE; whatever it might have been, know that although each problem or disaster might have been unpleasant, difficult or even gut wrenching, God was building in you character and grace that would be sufficient for all of life’s woes.

It is true for each of us that we may not understand God’s methods and we may be perplexed in our circumstances, but know this….GOD IS WORKING ALL THINGS OUT FOR OUR GOOD!!!! He will not let you fall any further than your knees as you come to Him in complete surrender and acknowledge Him as Lord over your life. Your problems may get worse….Christ’s did, as He was led as a lamb to the slaughter; but, in His obedience, God was glorified and He was lifted up to draw all men unto himself.

Got problems? Then, rejoice that God is at work in your life….either He is punishing you and correcting your ways so that you might be of greater service and influence.. or He is preparing you and equipping you with greater character and grace for an ever-increasing role in His Kingdom; either way...

GOD IS IN CONTROL AND NOTHING HAPPENS TO YOU BY CHANCE…so go on, let go and let God have His way….the best lies just ahead in the New Year.


Looking Forward to Perfection….Enduring the Pains,
WPQ