There are moments when the faith and trust that we profess will be put to test. If you are a Christian for many years now, you might have experienced Him in many ways where He revealed Himself to you. Yet, despite showing Himself to us for many times, we are still struggling to trust Him fully.
Our journey as Christians comes in different seasons. There is summer that we sometimes feel dry spiritually. But comes the hope as spring begins and we see the flowers bloom. There is much hope. And there comes the autumn where leaves start to fall, giving us that gloomy feeling of uncertainties. Then winter arrives. All we could feel is the coldness of our walk and we start to feel numb about life. Yet one thing we can keep in mind is that in all of those seasons, God is there. And, I also keep reminding myself about this because from time to time, I tend to forget.
These past years, things are not easy for us, isn’t it? Maybe some us have lost our loved ones due to the virus. Perhaps you are on the brink of losing your business. Or maybe you struggle with keeping your relationships with your families and friends. We might be experiencing unpleasant situations differently, but we are all receiving the grace of God. And as we go through painful memories in life, we might be tempted to ask where God is in that moment. Our faith starts to waver and our trust begins to fade, giving way to negative thoughts such as “I don’t hear God,” “God is so distant,” and “Maybe God is not listening,” sort of drama.
We start to work on our own, thinking that God is so slow. We view things naturally instead of looking into them with a heavenly perspective.
Yes, it is easy to see God when things are going right. However, the greatest challenge is when we face circumstances that are beyond our ability to control.
Where is God then?
One of the characters of the Bible that I really admire and I keep reading over again whenever my heart is not well is Joseph. His story is so familiar because His life was a proof that God is the God of every circumstance. Did Joseph hate and blame God as He was in deep pain and heartaches being sold by his brothers, accused and put into prison without fair trial? No. Because even if he went through those bad circumstances, he knew in his heart that God was there and those painful memories had their purpose in the future.
True enough, God rewarded His unwavering faith and trust. A once nobody and unnoticeable person became famous, being second to Pharaoh.
How did Joseph take all of those things that made who he was?
1. He saw God in every circumstance.
“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Gen. 50:20
2. He feared and testified for God.
“. . . how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
3. He forgave much.
“. . . Fear not: for am I in the place of God?” Genesis 50:19
Joseph is an epitome of a Christian who anchors himself in God. Yes, fierce winds and storms will come, but with the Lord, we can face it with strength and grace. And just like Him, if are able to learn to dance in the rain, we will come out blessed. His faith and trust in God were tested much. However, because he had experienced and known God, he was able to withstand.
Romans 8:28 is indeed true if we believe that God is the God of every circumstance. As Christians, it is already a cliche to say that God is always with us. That He cares for us. Yet that profession will be put to test when time comes that we feel abandoned and life throws the worst at us. The secret to being able to look beyond our present condition is to see God in every circumstance. This brings us hope and comfort.
What can I say then? No matter what season of life you’re walking right now, know that He is with You. In good and bad times, He is always present.
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