Where is God now?

When life deals unexpected and difficult blows to those I love, God seldom explains what He is doing. I know that He is involved in life’s events. I also know that He is sovereign and allows affliction for a reason. Yet today I would love to read His mind and to be comforted by knowing His perfect plans exactly.

While what He is doing in someone else’s life is not really my business to know, God does understand my thoughts and concerns. He may not reveal specifics about the person whose life has been turned upside down, but He does give me an example from the past to let me know a little about how He works in the affairs of His people.

He (an invading king) shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action. And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery, and some of the wise shall stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it still awaits the appointed time. (Daniel 11:32–35)

This is a portion of a prophecy from God’s man, Daniel. He was given a vision of the future and of kings that would invade and rule over God’s people. In this case, a particular king would make shambles of many, yet God would use what was happening to purify their lives and their faith.

First, those who know God will stand firm under lies that sound good but are intended to lead them astray. This spiritual battle of lies vs. truth happens all the time. They did it then and are still doing it. Those who follow God through faith in Jesus Christ are continually challenged by cults, false teachers, even false teaching from others who claim to be Christians. Only those who deeply know God and His ways can stand firm and take action. But those who violate our covenant relationship with Him by disobedience are not able to stand against this seduction hiding behind flattery.

Second, those who know God (called “the wise among the people”) will help others who fall for the lies. Even though difficulties happen and during tough times, many genuine Christians will stumble, even the wisest. Yet in that falling down and confusion to our faith, God will refine and purify His people. He uses all things together for our good, to make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29), so nothing ruins the plans of God. It might look like it from the external circumstances, but God is still in control and His purposes will prevail.

***************

Father, You know my anxiety for someone whose life seems to have been blown out of the water.  However, this passage reassures me that no matter what happens to anyone, wise or disobedient, You have not turned Your face from them. You even will use their circumstances as part of Your plan to bring purity and maturity in that person’s life. Nothing is too hard for You and certainly nothing evades Your loving purposes for Your people.