The Bigger Picture

Nothing happens without God's permission.  And when bad things do happen in our lives God has set boundaries by which satan has to acknowledge.  We see this in the life of Job when satan talks with God asking to test Job's faith by taking his family and everything he owns and then a little later asking to take his health.  God allows some pretty horrific things but protects Job's life.  It's hard to say why one person should have to endure so much pain and it's difficult to understand why people we love have to go through the hard things they do but we can never forget that God is in complete control making sure His will is preserved and accomplished.

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat.  But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail.  So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers."   Luke 22:31-32 NLT

Jesus had conversations with satan and allowed Peter to struggle with his denial of Him, but ultimately it was Jesus who called the shots.  Satan had to get permission and was told what he was allowed to do.  Jesus knew that this would change Peter and He expected him to bring his testimony back to share it with his brothers because it would help them too.  All of our hard times can be used to strengthen us and others if we let it and Jesus knows that.  Jesus is always in control and what's really encouraging is after he allows satan to "mess" with us He doesn't just wait to watch it all take place.  He prays for us.  Jesus prays for us to stand strong in our faith and pleads for God to give us endurance, patience, strength and whatever else we need during our struggles.  I like to imagine Him shedding tears for us, cheering us on and begging God to give us relief.  He loves us, after all, He died for us! 

There is a bigger picture that goes with our hard times and disappointments.  Jesus sees that picture and isnt' afraid to send us into a storm from time to time.  He knows the storm will strengthen us for our ministry, it will give us testimony to help others and it will grow our faith in ways that will draw us closer to Him and glorify God in ways we could never imagine.  He also trusts His Father to fight for us and bring us through our hard times.  He prays for us because He believes.  

Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he send the people home.  After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.  Night fell while he was there alone.

Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.  

Matthew 14:22-24 NLT 

Do you think Jesus was surpised by this storm that the disciples encountered?  Probably not, Jesus sent his followers into that storm.........to scare them and hurt them and discourage them?  No, Jesus had a plan for that storm.  Just like He has a plan for our storms.  Does He enjoy watching us suffer during those times?  Not at all.  He prays for us!  He knows it's not going to be easy and He knows we will endure great suffering but He also knows what it can do for the Kingdom of God.  Just like the disciples we can be cruising along obeying Christ, going where he leads us, and BAM!! a storm arises even when we are right were God wants us.  It happens, and it's so hard to wrap our human thinking around, but we must trust that God is in control.  He can use any storm or environment to prepare us for our future ministry.  He has a minsitry for us all.  He has plans for us all.  It's time to stop cursing our storm and instead look for the good that can come from it.  Sometimes it's so ugly we can't possibly see how any good can come, but that is when our faith is put to the test.  We must trust that God knows best for our best.

But Jesus spoke to them at once.  "Don't be afraid," he said.  "Take courage.  I am here!"

Matthew 14:27