The Obvious Is Not So Obvious

by Keith Gardner
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer 29:11)

Growing up in the church I heard this verse often. It was usually stated in a lesson about the goodness of God, or a hope for a better tomorrow. I am not disputing those lessons learned. I agree that God is taking care of His beloved. He has a plan for the believer; one that is blessed and promising. My question is not about what the verse was saying. My question is why was it being said? Why was it that God had to declare that I’m not trying to harm you? His reasoning was obvious to Himself, but not to those He was talking to. To the faithful Jews, God had taking them away into captivity, but God destroyed the unfaithful. For those led into captivity it was God’s method of protecting them. He had a plan and it was a good one; one that was paved with hope and a brighter future.

What about you and me? Do we see God’s handiwork as harm or hope? God’s means of blessing us usually come by way of stretching, strengthening, growing, or repositioning. None of these methods come without some measure of pain or discomfort. What is obvious to God, as a means to a righteous end, is not always so obvious to you and to me. More often than not we are too focused on our discomfort than on what God might be trying to accomplish.

How do we face difficult times in the most productive way? In a way that works with God to accomplish His purpose and end? Please consider these thoughts:

1. Do not complain. Read the story of the Israelites wondering through the desert. Their failure was their murmuring and complaining. It reflected their lack of faith.
2. Learn to rest in God. The same Hebrew word used in Exodus for grumbling (i.e. Exodus 17:3) is also used in Psalms for abiding (i.e. Psalms 91:1). God’s preferred method of our traversing difficult times is waiting as opposed to complaining.
3. Pray that you would quickly learn the lessons being taught. (Psalms 69, 102, 143)
4. Obey as the Holy Spirit leads you. (Psalms 119:33-40) Do what you hear the Lord say. If it is to seek forgiveness, then ask for forgiveness. If it is to take some action then do it quickly. Do not delay; obey.
5. Continue with an attitude of praise and thankfulness. It is not that you are thankful for the difficulties, but you are thankful that God is faithful to carry you through the difficulties. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; He is faithful to His promises. (Heb. 13:5, Acts 16:22-34, James 5:13)