Sometimes when we are faced with unpleasant circumstances we wonder where God is or if He even cares. We can rest assured God is involved in life and cares. Ephesians 1:11 show us that He is in control; “For He chose us from the beginning, and all things happen just as He decided long ago.” Just as Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers to do him harm, Joseph understood that God meant it for good. Just as I lost my father unexpectedly 5 years ago I can see that God used my loss in my life for good and for His Glory.
Though we may never understand why things happen the way they do we can understand that it is all for His Glory and not ours. Christians feel that filling the “need” in our lives is the most important thing. We think that “God doesn’t want us to go hungry, or go without work”. God doesn’t want me to lose my house or get sick.” When we think that way we are taking our eyes off of Him and placing our priorities on our circumstances.
God will use our circumstances so that His Glory may be shown in our lives and through our lives. God wants to be glorified in both joyful times and troubling times in our lives. The Lord does want us to have joyful and fulfilling lives, but when we equate fulfillment and joy with circumstances and not Him, we will never have fulfillment and joy. We will only be left wanting more.
There have been many unexpected things that have happened in all of our lives this past year; do not focus on those circumstances, focus on Him. There will be more unexpected things in our lives in the year to come. Keep your eyes on Him and those things will not make you stumble, they will make you stronger in Him. He will never let you down. When we place Him as priority we will be able to get through anything with His strength. He loves you and knows what is best for you, and that is Him.
Blessings in the New Year,
Pastor Tom
