Who among the gods is like You, Lord? Who is like You — majestic in holiness? — Exodus 15:11
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind. — Job 12:7-10
INTRODUCTION
The next time we feel the weight of the world, let’s talk to the One who made the world. As our perception of God grows greater, the size of our challenge grows smaller. If God can sway the heart of a Persian monarch, if He can reverse certain death into victorious life, do you not think He can take care of us?
The story of Esther dares us to believe that God, though hidden, is active. He brings life out of broken things. The apostle Paul was summarizing Esther when he wrote:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28
“We know,” Paul said. There are so many things in life we do not know. We do not know if the economy will dip or if our team will win. We don’t always know what our kids are thinking or our spouse is doing. But according to Paul we can be dead certain of four things.
- We know God works. He is busy behind the scenes, above the fray, and within the fury. He hasn’t checked out or moved on. He is ceaseless and tireless.
- He never stops working for our good. Not for our comfort, pleasure, or entertainment, but for our good. Since he himself is the ultimate good, would we expect anything else?
- To do this He uses all things. As in panoramic or panacea or pandemic. All inclusive. God works, not through a few things or just the good things, best things, or easy things, but in all things God works.
- He works for the good of those who love Him. Good things happen to those who trust God. The umbrella of God’s providence does not extend to cover the evil and hard-hearted. But for those who seek Him and His will, in all things God works.
A puppet in the hands of fortune and fate? Not us. We are secure in the hands of a living and loving God. Our life is a crafted narrative written by the Author of life, who is working toward our supreme good and a sublime ending.
Relief will come. Will we be a part of it?
It seems to me that the entire world is in a state of trauma. People do not know why they were born or where they are destined to go. This is the age of much know-how and very little know-why. The invisible enemies of sin and secularism have left us dazed and bewildered.
The world needs us! We need people with the resolve of Mordecai and the courage of Esther. The world is in desperate need of a people of God who will stay steady in the chaos.
The church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord; She is His new creation, By Spirit and the Word: From Heav’n He came and sought her. To be His holy Bride, With His own blood He bought her, And for her life He died.
This classic hymn of the faith by Samuel John Stone was an admonition of sorts, a declaration of truth amid a crumbling society.Bombs are still dropped. Worlds still explode. Walls still collapse. Pandemics still rage. But in the midst of it all, the Lord still has His people. And when we proclaim the truth of God in the middle of a crumbling world, you never know who might be changed.
God is in the middle of this. This steep climb. This uphill struggle. This cold, fierce headwind you are facing. You feel overwhelmed. Weary. Ill-equipped to weather it. But lift up your eyes. That is your Father standing on the driveway. He is in this moment with you. Who knows but that you have been chosen for such a time as this?
CONCLUSION
“HE’S GOT THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS…”; when we sang that song as children, none of us had Job in mind; or suffering; or we’re trying to explain suffering. In fact, it was just the opposite, it was a song of reassurance; a song that all of us are in God’s hands.
If Jesus is our Saviour, we can trust that He will work for our good in the situation that is causing us heartache, pain, and trouble. He loves us. We are His! God the Father has a purpose for our life!
ROUND THE LORD IN GLORY SEATED – MHB 25.
1Round the Lord in glory seated,
Cherubim and seraphim
Filled his temple, and repeated
Each to each th’alternate hymn:
Lord, Thy glory fills the heaven,
Earth is with its fullness stored;
Unto Thee be glory given,
Holy, holy, holy, Lord.!
2 Heaven is still with glory ringing;
Earth takes up the angels’ cry,
Holy, holy, holy, singing,
Lord of Hosts, the Lord Most High!
3 With His seraph train before Him,
With His holy Church below,
Thus unite we to adore Him,
Bid we thus our anthem flow:
Culled from: Faithgateway Devotionals.
Stay blessed!
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