THERE IS A SHAKING going on all over the world. Wars and economic hardships, the collapse of governments, disease outbreaks and an increase in the number of natural disasters.
People are migrating from unstable parts of the world to the stable areas.
It is not surprising that these things are happening. Nevertheless, God has promised that he will shake all things so that the things that cannot be shaken will remain. (Hebrews 12:27)
I believe that the church is in one of its finest hours - you are made for such a time like this.
THE NARRATIVE
GOD CAN USE ANYONE. When Nebuchadnezzar went against Judah, God gave him victory. (Daniel 1:2)
He took the best men of Judah captive—the brains, brawn and beauty.
Nebuchadnezzar commanded that the teens be taught the language and literature of Babylon, fed from the king’s table and trained for three years.
Their names were changed to erase their identity. The plan was to systematically indoctrinate them. They were shaken to their foundations.
The Reality
GOD HAD WARNED THEM that they would lose their freedom if they continued in sin; so, captivity didn't come as a surprise.
Also, adversity is part of the life of a believer.
Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
No matter the source of your problem, God can do what he wants.
Always remember that God's thoughts towards you are of good and not evil to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)
God uses challenges to do different things.
To inspect you.
GOD EXAMINES HIS CHILDREN at all times. He wants you to see what you need to work on.
Some say humans are like tea bags. The way hot water reveals what’s in a tea bag, problems reveal us.
The why of a thing is always more important to God than what? God searches our hearts and motives.
Everyone looks at the image, but God is interested in your integrity. (1 Samuel 16:7)
God tested Israel in the wilderness for forty years that he might humble them and know what is in their hearts. (Deuteronomy 8:2)
When life throws you a curve, God might just be examining you. Challenges are measuring tools.
When your life is put under pressure, what does it reveal about you?
To correct You.
THE CAPTIVES WERE HAULED to a foreign land for seventy years.
God corrects all his children. He intervenes because he wants us to be holy.
Sometimes, the only way to train is through pain. People say, "There is no gain without pain."
When the pain is severe enough, people change. Other times, people learn from their failures.
What is this problem teaching you? What should you be learning?
To direct You.
A MAN MAY PLAN HIS WAY, but the Lord will lead his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)
People change when they feel the heat.
The prodigal son had his life on cruise control when everything was going well. But when he lost everything, he returned home. (Luke 15:11-32)
After David went through some difficult times; he said, “When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies.” (Psalm 19:59)
Adversity has a way of making people change course.
Do you have a problem? Where is the problem leading you?
To protect you
GOD MAY ALLOW pain to prevent you from more significant harm—a blessing in disguise.
For forty years, Joseph went through so much; that was where God wanted him.
He said, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God intended it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." (Genesis 50:20)
The pain you’re suffering is a symptom of a larger problem that God wants you to address.
How will this problem protect you?
Let your faith give you a reputation; align your expectation to His Will
To perfect You
GOD DOES THIS TO GROW YOU—be more like Jesus Christ.
After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)
The only thing that remains after the problems are gone is your character. (James 1:2-4)
You must understand that the earth is a school in preparation for heaven.
How can you grow?
The only way to do this is to respond appropriately. If the response is right, you will be promoted.
BRINGING IT TOGETHER
DANIEL’S EXPERIENCE was daunting but rewarding. He knew the truth and lived it.
His acts disrespected the attitudes of idolatry.
Let your faith in Christ give you a reputation. Align your expectations with God’s Will, and you’ll not be disappointed.