In life, each of us has a path we must follow, and it is not the same for everyone. We may be born at the same time, live in the same neighbourhood, go to the same school and college, maybe even study the same courses, work in the same environment, but end up living very different lives. Even identical twins, who score similar marks in exams and marry twins will still not have identical experiences.
God has created each person very uniquely with a very specific purpose. He uses the sum total of the experiences that we go through whether good or bad, rough or smooth to fashion a desired character depending on each one’s purpose.
Sooner or later, at some point on this pathway it is inevitable that each individual will find themselves in a storm. Many years ago as a group of college students we were on our way to a mission on an island using a motor boat. In the middle of the lake, far from land, as it was getting dark and the waves were lashing out hard at us, the motor suddenly died! It was not an easy experience by any standards, and people began saying their final prayers! By God’s grace those at the helm were able to get the motor running again and we finally reached our destination.
Job underwent a most pronounced storm and often couldn’t understand what He was going through. At one point he had the following to say in 23:8-10:
Look, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him; when He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him; when He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him. But He knows the way I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold
As in Job’s case, when we’re in the thick of things, it often appears to us as though God is absent from the picture and has left us to handle our most trying moments alone. The truth may be that He is allowing the storm because He has a greater purpose in mind. When the whole drama was over in Job’s case and He finally met God, His observation in 42:1-6 was:
Then Job answered the Lord and said: “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
It will help if we have the right attitude whatever we’re faced with, especially when we remember that God is familiar with every path, whether broad or narrow, smooth or rough. He has walked varied paths with those that have gone before us across the generations, and will do the same with us if we are willing; but He will not force Himself. His reassurance to His people many years ago remains true:
‘But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Saviour…’ Is. 43:1-3
Prayer
Father, we’re grateful for the assurance that in our most trying times when You seem so far away, You’re actually with us. Thank You.
