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"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 KJV)
A most difficult thing for me to deeply comprehend is that a loving God allows troubles into my life. He tells us to be prepared at all times by faith, knowing that He has a plan for each of us, and that includes both easy and difficult times. Like cougars waiting in the woods to pounce on us, so does trouble.
I imagine that worldwide, for one reason or another, we would hear this lament: "If only we could have one day without trouble." By now, over a year into this COVID-19 pandemic, we have shown sympathy towards each other, and we have prayed for the world as it has gone through multiple categories of sorrowful tragedies. Scripture tells us that we will have trouble on every side and prepares us for dealing with it. Although we will definitely feel the pain, God promises to shelter and comfort us in it.
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust." (Psalm 91:4a KJV)
We can be confident in knowing that each soul who seeks God first while abiding under His wings is safe and secure with Him as we await His will, by the power of the risen Christ.
It is hard for us earthlings to completely understand the fullness of God's sovereign control. We must look at God's scriptural promises for the long term, through the eyes of faith in Jesus Christ. Can we look to Christ and see that the suffering that He endured fulfills a much larger picture in eternity? Can we see that the troubles that we endure, to His glory, are part of His plan? He knows what is happening, and will happen, in our lives, and He knows that we are quite pressed. God doesn't always remove our troubles, but He gives us spiritual shelter, encouragement, protection, and strength through Jesus Christ, so as to have victory as we go through times of trouble. He wants us to succeed in conquering adversity. With each triumph, we become stronger in faith as we support His will towards His purpose. When we seek God first, learning to trust and obey Him during troubled times, our confidence in God builds while He protects us as we wait under His wings. As we read Scripture, let us watch for and meditate on all the other provisions that He has made for us during troubled times.
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to understand on a deeper level that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Your love is so vast that we can't help but want to trust You during difficult times. You are the awesome Father Whom we serve through Your blessed Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Karen Milam
Penn Valley, California, USA
Reprinted from PresbyCan with Author's permission
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