STEPHEN’S GATE
By Stephen Young
“JUST AROUND THE CORNER”
1 Peter 4:12-13: Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. 13 Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. (The Message)
Have you ever noticed that, as a society, when things go bad we turn to God for help but after a while, when things don’t change, we blame God for the problem and for not doing anything about it? It’s easy when life gets difficult to jump to the conclusion that God isn’t doing anything about your problem, or He doesn’t care about your problem. We have to remember that He cares about every detail of your life and if it’s truly a situation that He’s allowing you go to through in order to develop you and build your character, He’s certainly going to bring you through it. Do you really think the God that has the hairs on your head numbered isn’t in the middle of your difficulty? Luke 12:6-7 says: “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. 7 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Verse 13 says to be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. I’m not saying that you will suffer or that you need to suffer like Christ did but I can assure you that you will face trials and difficulties in life that will draw you closer to Him and the suffering that He experienced for you will become more real and cause you to be more thankful of what He’s done, what He’s doing and what He’s going to do in your life. “This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner.”
When something is refined, the process takes out the imperfections and makes it more valuable. When facing difficulties, if done with the right attitude, it will help to refine who you are. It will remove imperfections and root out the things in your life that don’t belong and you will come out on the other side more valuable than how you started. You will be a life that God can use to reach others.
I want to encourage you this week, if you’re facing difficulties. Don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. You may not be able to see your breakthrough ahead of you but if you could see just around the corner you would see that your breakthrough is there. Don’t give up, don’t give in, the change you need is just around the corner!
Blessing ~ Steve
