Faithful Man: Devotions for Living in Faithless TimesExemplo

You’re in Good Company

Let’s consider a few people in scripture who heard “no” from God: 

• Joseph didn’t get rescued from slave traders. 
• Moses didn’t get to enter the Promised Land. 
• Naomi didn’t get to grow old with her husband and sons. 
• David didn’t get to build the temple. 
• Paul didn’t get relief from his thorn. 
• Jesus wasn’t spared the cross.

When we study their stories, we realize that their lives were difficult and often disappointing, just like ours. With the exception of Jesus, they all made mistakes, just like we do. Did God not love these people? Of course He did! But we see that their circumstances did not always directly reflect how much God loved them. The answers to their prayers did not necessarily indicate His approval (or disapproval). The status of their dreams did not reflect His faithfulness. Their daily happiness was not a barometer measuring the strength of His affection.

For each of these people, life changed. It fell apart, reformed, reset. But God’s love never changed. God’s love was the one constant in their ever-fluctuating circumstances. It was the solid ground beneath life’s shifting sands.

Listen to this promise God made to His people: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel….Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:2-3, 5).

God doesn’t say, “If you pass through the waters. . .if you walk through the fire. . .;” He says “when.”

When you walk through financial disaster.

When you endure a health crisis.

When you lose someone you love.

“In this world you will have trouble,” Jesus said. (Not might have trouble—will have trouble.) “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

What peace comes when we understand that God loves us through life’s storms. What relief we feel when we realize that our circumstances don’t reflect His approval. Then we can simply hurt without the added miseries of guilt, shame, blame, mistrust, and distance. We can take our pain to God, confident that He hurts with us, knowing He is the safe place for all our tears.