(When God intervened)
Used with Permission by, Linda DeSilva
Looking through my library, the book-title “BUT GOD …” by Tony Bennett (pub. DAYONE – 2016) reminded me of the relevance of these two words in today’s uncertain world. I leafed through the chapter titles. The graphic studies of the Bible characters to whom these two words refer are inspirational. Usually, the accounts begin with a retrospective look at the subject’s life-story. Joseph’s story for example, revisits the traumatic events of his life from his current vantage point as second-in-command to Pharaoh – at that time probably the greatest ruler in the world. (Genesis 45: 7 & 8) Joseph’s long prison experiences seemed destined to continue for who knows how long? BUT GOD …
The men and women of Bible times whose lives were marked in some way by these two words: countless followers of Christ through the ages, including believers in this 21st Century; all testify that they can now trace God’s hand at work although they could not understand at the time. During hard times when we also have been faced with sickness, loss, unemployment, or other disappointment, have we been tempted to think that God had forgotten us? But, looking back from the other side of the trial, can we now say …”But God worked it out for my good and His glory.”? (See Romans 8:28)
Elisabeth Elliot (widow of missionary martyr Jim Elliot) wrote: “God knows what He is doing and He is not under any obligation to make us any explanation.” Similarly: “He who believes that God is in control of the universe need never fear what happens below.” (Anon) “We live fascinating lives if we are living in the centre of God’s will. All the attacks that Satan hurls at us through the sins of others are not only powerless to harm us but are transformed into blessings along the way.” (Hannah Whitall Smith)
In the challenges we meet to-day, remember: “BUT GOD … is able to make all grace abound towards you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
ETCetera 