When you stop and consider your life and the call to live with purpose and guidance from the Lord, it seems we are facing incredible challenges. The world is groaning under the weight of natural disasters, country conflicts, media saturation, anxiety, depression and sin. It would seem we are facing things on a global level in a way like never before. The world is volatile, uncertain, and chaotic.
We have a Savior who knew we would be confronted by such challenges. In speaking with his followers, John records Jesus’ words: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So how do we have peace in Jesus, and how has He overcome? We face hardships when it is hard to see victory.
I was lying at the foot of a staircase not so long ago. I had tripped at the top, fallen, and hit a wall in front of the staircase as I fell. I had badly spiral fractured my upper arm (humerus) and dislocated my shoulder. In incredible agony, and in and out of consciousness, my screams were heard by my husband who rushed to my assistance. He called the paramedics, and thirty minutes later I was being rushed in an ambulance to hospital. There was trauma upon trauma that week, and finally after surgery I was sent home where a long road to recovery began. It has taken nine months to be finally cleared as ‘healed,’ and it will be another year before full function returns.
As I lie at the foot of the steps that day with the reality of what had happened sinking in, I remember saying to my husband, “I wonder how God is going to redeem this.”
I have always lived with the promise of Romans 8:28 (NIV): “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.”
Bad things happen to all people (Matthew 5:45). We will face hardship. However, as followers of Jesus, we have a Saviour who has overcome the world and promises to walk with us through every adversity (Psalm 23, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:8, John 14:26).
Jesus is our Redeemer. He knows us intimately. He protects, He delivers, He redeems.
“This is what the Lord says…he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze’” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
The prophet Isaiah was reminding the people of the Redeemer who is with us in the storm. This was my experience. As I faced the prospect of a long recovery from my accident, I leaned into that Redeemer. I chose to draw close to Jesus in a new way.
My devotional life deepened. Christian friends gathered and prayed for healing. The voice of his Spirit was gentler but louder than ever. I ministered to others with a newfound empathy.
When I preached, I found strength in Christ far beyond my own ability, and I continued in ministry and leadership despite the physical challenges I faced. I was able to say that “humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible” (Matthew 19:25, NLT).
Whilst we don’t ask for hardship, we can confidently say that God works in the most difficult of places to bring His good to those who love Him and are called according to His purposes.
He is making all things new. He is bringing to life that which was dead. The Lord says to us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18,19).
We walk with one who brings purpose to what we do. Amidst all our adversities, He sees us, He delivers us, He restores us, and He leads us forward.
As you live for the Lord, may you know His hand upon you, bringing good in all things.
For Discussion and Introspection
- What do you think it means to be “called according to His purpose?”
- What has been most beneficial in your spiritual life to help you identify and live out your purpose?
- When have you seen the promise of Romans 8:28 in action in your life?
- How do you stay focused on the promises and purpose of God when facing challenges?
- Wilderness seasons can sometimes make us feel we are alone in our struggles. How can you walk with others right now who are trying to make their way through the wilderness?
