Passages: Romans 8:18, Philippians 1:6, James 4:7-10, 1 Peter 5:7-8
Concerning Romans 8:28-32 Bruce Ware comments,
"For the believer, there simply are no accidents or tragedies in which God is, as it were, a passive bystander. He never helplessly watches while some tragedy occurs, wishing it were different. Rather, God is at work to bring about good. He is altogether active in all the events of our lives, never merely passively--and certainly not helplessly---watching...Paul states that the scope of God's work is absolutely comprehensive. There is nothing he is not actively working in to bring about good for his own." (Bruce A. Ware, "God's Lesser Glory,"p.192-193)
You are probably familiar with the old but classic “Footprints in the Sand” poetic prose carefully written to display the mysterious work of God behind the scenes. This treasured and variously copied poem has helped thousands in trusting God for the challenges and difficulties in life. Doubtlessly, it is true that God is singularly handling your affairs behind the curtains while you fulfill the real life drama of your life on a stage of frightening realities. But be of good courage, my dear child of God, God is not silent to the various and sundry ways your life is assailed by so many storms and torrents! The life of Job is an ancient “Footprints in the Sand” epic. Scripture reveals in the story of Job what Bruce Ware calls “God-intended concealment, the unveiling of purposeful veiling. That is we are told what Job was not told.”(Bruce Ware, “God’s Greater Glory,” p.163) My friend and beloved, remember that everything that tries our faith is God’s intended purpose to arouse in us fervent devotion and committed trust and dependence. “Living behind God: Veiled to the Purpose of God in Suffering,”(ibid. p.163) is what we are called to do. The whys of our circumstances, adversities, and afflictions are not as important as our willingness to endure and patiently wait on God for the unfolding drama to reap its glory. We may never know fully the reasons in this lifetime for the difficulties we endure, but we can sure endure it with strength, patience, and growth. If we rest in the Almighty and the sweet precious ointment of Jesus, whose balm is a an ever-source of healing, we will not faint and grow weary. Alas, draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Dear Child of God, don’t be afraid to cry and weep for God’s ever-present help!
“Favour’d saints of God,
His messengers and seers,
The narrow path trod, ‘Mid
Sins, and doubts, and fears”
(Iain Murray, “The Life of Arthur Pink,” p.204) Pastor Jim Cater