A Revelation Of God

Psalm 50:14-15

Call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory. (Psalm 50:15)

THE STORY OF REBELLION AND EVIL isn’t completely clear, but over the course of the Bible’s pages, a coherent picture emerges. Apparently a rebellion in heaven turned many of its beings away from God and then infected the inhabitants of earth. As believers, we can hardly imagine any adversity in heaven’s environment; God’s presence precludes sin, pain, heartache, disease, and lack. But in rebellious realms of spirits and flesh, we all know the trauma of fallenness. Sickness, grief, poverty, injustice, unfaithfulness, and many more afflictions are pervasive. We experience trouble often.

It had to be this way if God was going to reveal himself in fullness. In a perfect environment of heaven, he could be worshiped for his greatness, glory, love, power, and wisdom. But who would know of his mercy, healing, comfort, compassion, provision, and justice? How would these beautiful characteristics of God ever become visible unless someone needed them?

So without creating evil, God allowed a world in which our need would reveal his character. That means that whenever you cry out to God for help, it is not just about you. Your need is a platform for him to demonstrate something of himself. Whenever you experience a crisis, it is not because something is dreadfully wrong but because an opportunity is arising. The rescuer God becomes visible to those surrounding someone who needs rescuing. Keep looking to him in faith and see what he does.

However long it takes, your story will be a good one. No one is thrilled by a movie in which the hero faces a few minor setbacks. The most satisfying endings are those that come together after the darkest moments of impossible adversity. If your life seems to be following that trajectory, refuse to judge God in the middle of the story. The resolution is coming, and it will be good for you, a reflection of him, and a testimony to those around you.

{Lord, your promise is much clearer in Scripture than in the middle of my circumstances. Give me eyes to see beyond the moment, to look for your rescue, and to praise you even before it comes. Reveal yourself not only to me but through me. Amen.