Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
If you’ve been doing life long enough, you know that there are seasons and circumstances that are really painful. There are moments when we don’t understand and don’t feel like we can withstand the storm we’re in. And if we’re being truly honest, there’ve even been moments when we’ve questioned whether God was doing anything amid the storm. Today, I want to encourage you that not only is He active in your storm, but scripture goes as far as to say that we are anointed in our affliction.
In verse 3, scripture states, “...that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” “Destined” can also be translated as “anointed,” indicating that God has appointed us to something according to His plan. The storms and the trials that we experience in this life are not a surprise to God. In the midst of what feels like chaos, God is in control of it all. Not only is He in control, but He wants to use the storms of life to draw us closer to him, show us that He is trustworthy, and strengthen our faith!
The Christian life is not one free of pain and suffering. The reality is that we live in a broken world and are surrounded by broken people - us included! Jesus never promised us that life wouldn’t be tough once we follow Him. However, He did promise to send us a helper - the Holy Spirit. God promised us His presence, comfort, and guidance that could never be taken from us. He has given us every reason to trust Him, even when circumstances might make us feel like we can’t. Even though our circumstances feel too messy and too big for us to handle, the truth is that God is holding it all together. He’s got a plan. Never once has He not been in control or not been faithful in the storm.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.