“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”29:11.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states that “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” In Christian Theology, a season of life is defined as a specific God-ordained period of time that brings unique purposes, challenges, and opportunities for spiritual growth. We can all agree that some seasons in life can bring us to our knees; times when joy turns to sorrow-or peace to chaos. But in those times of transition, as born-again believers, we’re called to trust in the sovereignty of God, recognizing that our tears are only temporary, because trouble don’t last always! “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11. 

Recently, I encountered the testimony of a young man who was robbed just sitting in his car. He was in one of those seasons where things seemed they wouldn’t get better. But he began to pour out his heart to God about his needs and desires- it was his desperate cry for help. God is faithful, my friends; He knows, and He hears, and He answers our cries! “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3.

This young man’s testimony led us through a sequence of events that took Him from pain to glorifying God. The robber in that testimony was a strategic plan of that old arch-enemy of our souls, Satan, and his demonic forces, whose desire is to destroy, dishearten, and kill all of God’s beloved children. But what the enemy means for evil in our lives, God uses for good!  “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” Isaiah 54:17.

God often works behind the scenes, placing us in proverbial wilderness experiences- of isolation, loneliness, and uncertainty. But God is molding, stretching, and forming us into willing vessels, being perfected by His goodness, love, and mercy. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28.

If by chance you think this young man’s testimony is merely an isolated event, let me bring to your attention the Word of the Lord, giving evidence to the lives of those who overcame insurmountable odds by the sovereign will of God. Consider God’s faithful servant Job, who displayed unshakeable trust; he lost his wealth, his children, and his health, and yet he declared: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”  Job 13:15. And God restored him twice as much as he lost.

Satan’s cunning and strategic influence was a part of Pharaoh’s intentional infanticide of all Hebrew males, but God placed His called deliverer, Moses, right in the enemy’s house. His life story was another tapestry woven with pain and glory spanning over 120 years; he was raised a prince, ran as a fugitive, and became God’s deliverer for the Children of Israel, and theologians call him God’s personal secretary! “Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10.

My friends, those disheartening and hurtful seasons in our lives have a purpose! The God of all Heaven and Earth, who is the All-Sufficient One, who supplies all that we need, according to His divine and sovereign will, is working behind the scenes, weaving the tapestry of our lives for a far greater good. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” 1 John 3:2.

As rough as this journey of life may get, God is not through with us yet. These comforting words of Job 23:10 give us hope and peace in the midst of the storm! “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10.

Blessings, peace, and may God’s grace be with us all!