Why doesn’t God stop every bad thing? This question has troubled mankind for centuries. I can’t presume to know the answer! I do, however, believe that we can study God’s Word and learn His ways, which might shed some light on this difficult question. And what I see from Scripture is that typically (not always) but generally God works through people who go through a process to get through a difficult situation and come through it in victory. Oh, it’s not always a victory in terms of being healthy, wealthy and happy, but victorious in our spiritual health, gaining wisdom, increasing our intimacy with God and becoming more like Christ. And, of course, many times, God does grant victory (after going through) and wars are won, people are freed and diseases are cured.
But the point is, God generally chooses the “through” rather than the miraculous “zap” that immediately fixes the things that trouble our world.
Here are some examples of God taking people through….Moses led the Hebrew people through the Red Sea, trudging the sea floor in between the walls of water before reaching the other side and safety from their enemies.
Queen Esther went through the process of risking her life and went before the king to plead for her people, the Jews, and save them from annihilation.
Joseph went through being falsely accused and was sent to prison for years before being placed as second in command in Egypt, ultimately saving the Jewish people from famine.
David went through many years of fleeing for his life from King Saul before God raised him up as the second king of Israel.
The Apostle Paul went through enduring a thorn in his flesh as well as the trials and tribulations of starting churches and serving as missionary to the Gentiles.
And finally….Jesus went through the false accusations, beatings, flogging, crucifixion and death on the cross before He rose from the dead, victorious in His plan to provide salvation for you and me!
So why is the “through” so important? Through is what changes me.Through is what tests my faith. What do I really believe? Who do I really rely on?Through causes me to lift my eyes to the Lord.Through helps me to know I can’t do it on my own strength.Through helps me to learn how to be completely dependent on God, daily!Through is a way for God to refine me, burning off the dross of imperfections, much like the silversmith burns away the dross, revealing the shine of the silver.
Psalm 23:4 tells us; “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me.”
In the “through” I learn (learning is a process) that God is always with me.
I pray that God will eliminate the virus that is killing so many people. I trust that He will bring us through this mess, resolve it and heal our world. And when God provides the ultimate victory, will we recognize the miracle in going “through” the process? Will we recognize the people He used to help others and the healing He provided? What if the process is really one long, stretched out miracle?
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18: 2
Laurie Driesen 