Looking beyond the storm

“Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 NIV

In the Book of Jeremiah, chapters 30-33, Jeremiah assured the Jewish people that they wouldn’t be captive forever. God would free them to return to their land and restore their fortunes. He would repay their enemies for their wickedness. How amazing is our Heavenly Father? Even when we stray and get into a mess, He’s faithful and true to His Word. 

Friends, I have learned that no matter what storm I may be facing, God will always come through. Our enemy, the devil, would never have the final say, and our testing won’t last forever. God will restore our health, our fortunes, and our relationships.

Whatever the enemy plots against us will always fail. Max Lucado once said, “Intended evil becomes ultimate good.”This is true not only for the people of Israel but also for you and me.

Every challenge or storm we face is not easy or random. God is not sometimes sovereign; He is not occasionally victorious; He does not occupy the throne one day and vacate it the next. “The Lord will not turn back until He fully accomplishes the purpose of His heart.” (Jeremiah 30:24 NIV)

Whatever season you and I may find ourselves may confuse us, scare us and even puzzle us, but it will not bewilder God. He can and will use it for His purpose. He did it for me and will do it for you. God wants us to know that He loves us. We can call on Him, and He will answer..” (Jeremiah 33:3)

When I face a storm, the Lord always reminds me of Joseph. Joseph was sent to prison. From a human viewpoint, the Egyptian jail was not the tragic conclusion of Joseph’s life. Satan thought that all God’s plans to use Joseph ended with the slamming of the jail door. The devil had Joseph just where he wanted him, so he thought. But let me let you in on a bit of secret, so did God. What Satan intended for evil, God used for testing. 

The Bible tells us that testing is an external trial that purifies and prepares the heart. Just as fire refines precious metal from dross and impurities, a test purges the soul of the same.

Beloved, are you going through a time of testing; or do you know anyone who is? Be encouraged; the tests are not here to stay. God will turn what the enemy meant to destroy us and cause it to work together for our good. (Romans 8:28) This is God’s promise for us.

Father, thank you for your unfailing love. Thank you for never giving up on your children. Guide our hearts and help us to recall your goodness in a time of testing and the many times you showed up and rescued us. In Jesus’ name, amen!