God's purposes

I asked the question yesterday, "What are God's purposes in us that He promises to fulfill?" In Isaiah 14, God declares, "As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand." We can be sure of God's good plans for us, for they are good. Just check Jeremiah 29, where God proclaims His plans for us good, and not evil. So what are His plans? I believe the Westminster Confession answers that right from the top: "Man's primary purpose is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." This confirms all that Scripture teaches from beginning to end.

So the question begs to be asked, "How are God's purposes fulfilled in my trials?" This space is far too small to fully answer that question, but let me recommend to you A Place of Healing, by Joni Eareckson Tada. From her deep place of pain, she has found healing in Christ and this book chronicles that.

Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the Lord and rely on his God (Isaiah 50:10). God is exalted as we trust in Him and walk with Him and glorify Him and live for Him. In suffering, we get to know better the Savior who suffered on our behalf by coming to earth as a servant, living a perfect life in the face of enormous temptations and endured with joy the entire wrath of God that belonged to us. Hebrews reminds us that we have not yet resisted to the point of shedding our blood.

In our suffering, we find greater rest in God (see Psalm 62), whom we need so much more desperately. Our eyes are focused to see His work more clearly. We more readily rejoice with each victory. We long for the day when our faith becomes sight.

He is El Elyon, God Most High, who has condescended to shelter us under His massive and strong wings. Rest there. Rest there. Rest there. And know the incredible depth of His love for you.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.