Oakwood Church Fresh Start Women's Devotional Encouragement for Today Hartland Delafield

“It Is What It Is” For A Reason
By Susan Klein

“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

In today’s culture, there is turmoil at every corner. We see it daily in the lives of others and we all experience it on a personal level. Open up God’s Word and you’ll find trials and turmoil in just about every book. For many, seeking an escape from their trials can become a never-ending pursuit.

Could it be that God intends for that trial to be present? Paul says in Colossians 1:24, “Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you...” He suffered persecution in order that God’s message would be delivered to the Gentiles. His goal was not to avoid the persecution or find a way out of it, but to be used by God in the midst of it. He trusted that God was with Him in the persecution since God had called him to this work in the first place. And He never promised it would be easy going!

In Acts chapter 5, the apostles, after preaching the Good News and healing many, were brought before the Sanhedrin and flogged for their actions. Verse 41 says they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). They didn’t flee, but pressed on.

Daniel did not try to find a way out of the lion’s den, rather he focused on his God who had allowed him to be thrown into the den even after being obedient. And what a mighty work God did in the king’s heart after he found out that God had saved Daniel from death! God had a purpose, and His presence was with Daniel the whole time.

Our goal, as Christ-followers, should not be to live a struggle-free life, but to see God and rely on Him in the midst of the struggle. He allows every trial for a reason, whether it makes sense to us or not. And He promises to give us peace, though that peace is not exempt from struggle, it is in the midst of it. His promise is to be with us in the trial, not to always spare us from the trial. And, if we can remember to focus on Him, not on an escape, we will find His perfect strength and His perfect peace.

GOING DEEPER:
1) When in the midst of a struggle, can you grasp that God is with you and has you there for a reason?
2) Will you make it your goal to look for God, rather than look for a “way out”?

FURTHER READING:
Psalm 139:5-7; Isaiah 26:3; John 14:27

Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.