The difficulties that this pandemic has brought upon us is unprecedented. Understandably, we question why we have to go through much pain and suffering for an extended period. Physiologically, we weren’t designed for prolonged tension. Thus, we all seek relief and comfort; and we want it NOW.
When God shakes everything up,1 we may breakdown and lose hope. The question remains, WHY?
I don’t know the whole answer; but this truth I do know. God is all knowing; he is Omniscient. The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.2 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.3 God’s promises are partial, progressive, and conditional. They are meant to strengthen, encourage, and comfort.4 God is love.5 The LORD is good . . .6 Thus, he has his children’s best interest in mind. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good.7
His grace is sufficient for us, for God’s power is made perfect in weakness.8 Consider, how may we know God as Shepherd9 unless we go hungry; Healer,10 unless we are sick; Peace11 and Rock,12 unless we experience grief and loss. How may we trust him as Comforter,13 unless we suffer from betrayal, false accusation, or persecution? Likewise, we learn that he is our Strong Tower, Banner, Shield, Horn of David, Hedge of Fire after he rescues us from danger. Also, he is Almighty, Provider, I AM for supplanting our financial loss or need. We experience him as Redeemer, Savior, Helper, Guide after being rescued from bondage, a dead-end, being stuck, or hopelessness.
God unconditionally loves us, with an agape kind of love. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.14
Progressively God opens our spiritual eyes that we may understand his prerequisites.
1. Love. Because God loves us he will have to purge us of our filth and make us go through fire.15 In return, we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind and with all our strength.16
2. Trust. God requires a total surrender. Trust that Our Father is conforming us into the image of his Son.17
3. Obey. If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well.18
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.19 Know God’s will. Oh, taste and see that God is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!20 Keep walking. God will surely bless you, . . . and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed his voice.21
Notes:
1. Hebrews 12:26-27
2. Proverbs 15:3
3. Isaiah 55:8-9
4. 1 Corinthians 14:3
5. 1 John 4:8
6. Nahum 1:7
7. Romans 8:28
8. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
9. Psalm 23:1
10. Psalm 30:2-3
11. Numbers 6:24-26
12. Genesis 23:1-16
13. Genesis 37:25-35
14. John 3:16
15: Numbers 31:21-23
16. Mark 12:29-30
17. Romans 8:29
18. 1 Samuel 12:14
19. Proverbs 3:5-6
20. Psalm 34:8
21. Genesis 22:17-18
