“Sometimes God wants us to go through a problem so we can be blessed.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 13, 2024
For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, ‘For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth. Romans 9:17-18
Don’t you like quick answers to prayer and quick deliverances? You know, those times when you petition the Lord, and then boom! The next minute, hour, or day you receive what you asked. Yes, me too. I like it when that happens.
But of course, there are times it doesn’t work this way. We don’t always receive quick answers or quick deliverances. But good news! There is a huge blessing in delayed answers. Why? Because in the waiting, a holy tension is building so when the answer comes, God is glorified—and as a result we receive greater joy than if we hadn’t been made to wait.
In the summer of 2023, before I was diagnosed with widespread metastatic breast cancer, I sensed something was wrong. I hadn’t felt well for a while, and I was afraid. One evening, I knelt on the floor in our living room in the dark and cried out to God. “Lord, you have to heal me!” An ocean of tears flooded my cheeks. I told Jesus I was going to stay right there until He showed up and did something miraculous. To my disappointment, He didn’t deliver me right then. Instead, I have walked a difficult road of healing over the last six months.
But praise God! Even though it’s been unbelievably challenging, I’m so glad He didn’t say yes to my request. If I had been instantly delivered as I pleaded, I would have missed out on numerous miracles, divine appointments, encouraging others, and a faith that has grown in ways the Lord knew I needed—and I would have missed out on seeing God’s glory in my healing in ways that my doctors are calling a miracle. (I still have a way to go for total restoration, but I’m looking to Jesus each day.)
Jesus uses big problems to be glorified. And when this happens, we are filled with indescribable hope! Because deep down, we all know we need an almighty and all-loving Savior to make things right in our world. When our problems are instantly and easily solved, we often miss God’s glory that results in abundant, internal freedom for us. Sometimes going around a problem isn’t always best for us. Sometimes God wants us to go through a problem so we can be blessed.
Do you remember how Pharoah wouldn’t let the Israelites go and how he chased God’s people to the edge of the Red Sea? This big problem that involved delayed deliverance led to big glory for God when the Israelites were led through a miraculously parted wall of water. That’s why the Israelites sang a song of praise to God after He saved them. When God delivered them from their big problem with a big answer, it resulted in big glory for Him, which brought His people big joy and freedom from their internal idols.
Ease and deliverance are awesome when God chooses this path for us. But when it’s not His will, He still has a plan to save us. Messes are miracle working opportunities for Jesus to show up and show off for us and give us blessings upon blessings that are priceless and cannot be obtained through quick answers.
If the Lord delays in giving you an answer, it doesn’t mean He has forgotten you. Instead, He wants to give you blessings you cannot imagine as He brings you through your trial. Wait patiently for him, knowing that he is working out a good story for you, and be encouraged that when the answer comes, He will be glorified even more—for you and others—which will result in big joy!
“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” (Isaiah 43:2).
Prayer
Lord, help me to trust you fully as I wait on you for my answer, knowing that you are working all things together for my good and your glory. I am looking forward to full deliverance and I, in the in-between, I will glorify you. Amen.
Application
Think back on times when you have had to wait for God to deliver you. How did He show up and show off to reveal more of Himself to you in the wait?
Related Reading
Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 3:25-27; Hebrews 11:29; Zechariah 13:9
Worship Resource
Maranda Curtis: In My Life be Glorified
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