“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

 

The Apostle Paul wrote much of the New Testament of the Bible. Many of those were letters to churches that he wrote while in prison, locked away because he was a Christian. He didn’t want to be in prison and he didn’t do anything to really earn a jail cell other than worship God, but there he was anyway.  He had two choices, either give up on Jesus or trust that Jesus would take care of him. Paul chose to trust Jesus and the rest, as they say, is history.

We may struggle with our current situations, thinking that God must not care that we are having such troubles. The reality of it all is that nothing that happens, good or bad, escapes God’s sight. Whether it was a flat tire on the way to work or a even a bad medical report, realize that none of that came as a surprise to God. He created it all and has it all in His hands. He knows about the good times and bad times in your life, but like the Bible says in Romans 8:28, “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.”

No matter what your situation or circumstance, know that God loves you and has a purpose for those good and bad times. It’s all for your good and the good of all of His children. It may not seem like it at the time, but our view of life is narrow at best.  Prison for Paul wasn’t then ideal situation, but it was needed for what God wanted to accomplish in the bigger, more God-sized view of it all. Paul had no idea of the amount of people that his preaching would touch for Jesus, even 2000 years later. All he knew was that the Holy Spirit was working in and through him. Honestly, if Paul had not spent time in prison, he may not have had the ability to sit calmly and truly listen to God’s words. What was meant for Paul’s destruction was one of the greatest blessings that he could have been given. And it wasn’t just Paul who got blessed out of that situation, it was all of us. 

So next time you think that God has abandoned you in your troubles, think again. You have no idea of the blessings that God is setting up for you this very minute. Praise Him in the best of times and the worst of times, for He is making the path for you to Heaven right now.

God’s blessings to you. 

DH