The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, 'Destroy them!'
Deuteronomy 33:27
Has there ever been a time that life came at you with such relentless fury that you wished God would give you a break? Do you sometimes find yourself overwhelmed with trials, tribulations and emergencies? Did you know that these troubling and unjust situations are simply God’s way of opening you up to new opportunities that will deliver his blessings into your life?
Consider the trials and tribulations that the children of Israel faced in Egypt. For 400 years they lived under suffocating Egyptian oppression. 400 years is a long time for anyone to suffer and some of them may have wondered if their God had forgotten about them. But God hadn’t forgotten about them, the trials the Israelites faced in Egypt were just the set-up that was needed to reveal God’s glory. It was the test they endured, that led to their testimony. When the Israelites lifted up their cries to heaven, God filled their vessels of faith and prayer with his abundant blessings. They did not leave Egypt, the place of suffering, empty-handed. They left with gold and silver and clothes (Exodus 12:35). God stepped in to free his people from slavery in Egypt, and even the Pharaoh understood that God Almighty was on the side of the Israelites (Exodus 12:30-32).
Today, I want you to know, that whatever side you’re on, God Almighty is on your side. He is your eternal refuge. He will shelter and protect you today and for all eternity. No matter what you may be facing, lean into his everlasting arms, because he saw that trial, tribulation and emergency coming way before you did. Nothing takes him by surprise. He is neither startled nor shaken, and you shouldn’t be either. Trust only in his promises and his unfailing love. Like when a little child with a boo-boo turns to a loving parent for a healing kiss, turn to him with your pain and troubled soul, lift up your vessels of faith and prayer and then wait patiently, as he drives all your enemies away.
For God word says: The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all (Psalm 34:19). Your current suffering is merely the set-up that will reveal the fullness of God’s glory in your life. It is the test, before your testimony. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; who is your God, has not forgotten about you. He is about to destroy the enemies before you and deliver you. He is about to pour his blessings into your upraised vessel.
Dear God, thank you for the assurance of your love. Thank you for reminding me, that even in my current situation you are LORD of all. You are my refuge and you are my shelter. I know that your plans for me are for good and not for evil. I will trust in you, no matter what. In Jesus’ name. Amen.