Have you ever had your proverbial “back against the wall?” You remember, don’t you? Whatever the situation you were in, your opponent kept pushing and pushing until you had nowhere else to go. From any direction, things didn’t look so good. You were in a bad spot and you knew it.
Well, let me ask you another question: Have you ever been in a situation that seemed totally hopeless – until “the tables were turned”? You remember that too, don’t you? Everything was bleak and black and then before you knew it or could even explain it, everything was cheerful and sunny. Friends, that’s what God can do to accomplish His purposes in any situation and God can turn the tables in your situation even today.
I tell you that because I just finished reading the book of Esther this morning. I love that book of the Bible. Let me share with you a few of the many contrast in this book. Consider these contrasts, showing how God turned things completely around to protect His people and preserve His plans:
- Mordecai goes from sackcloth and ashes (4:1,4) to royal clothes and a crown (8:15).
- Mordecai goes from sitting outside the king’s gate (4:2) to a place of honor inside the palace (8:1).
- The Jewish people appear vulnerable and marked for annihilation (3:13); yet become a formidable group, striking fear in other nations (8:17).
- The Jews go from severe mourning (4:3) to great rejoicing (8:16).
Friends, God is more than able to take seemingly hopeless situations and work them out for the good of His people. Here’s what the Apostle Paul said about our lives being taken care of by God…
“… God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.” Romans 8:28 MSG
Did you read that? “Every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today: Though you might not be able to see it because things seem bleak and black – above the dark ominous clouds the Son is still shining. He’s working everything out.
Father,
I rest secure knowing that my life, every detail of my life, is being taken care of and everything is going to work out for good. My praise, thanks and adoration go only to You. In Jesus name I come, Amen.
Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
