There is hope for the believing. In the words of Solomon the wise “surely a live dog is better than a dead lion.” If you are still believing in your condition, you are with the living. In other words, you will live.
Often there are struggles in life in the form of troubles, difficulties and sufferings. Some of them are because of what we are to God and in Christ. Others are because of what we did to inherit them. Our own mistakes and sinful acts bring trouble on us. However, if in any case we are believing that the Lord will pull us out of them, we know we are with the living. There are two things we must always consider regarding it. One, when we commit acts of disobedience against God, we suffer. And God will allow it until we return to Him and then remove it. Sometimes we may suffer beyond the limit. This too God knows and allows so that He can totally annihilate the suffering as well as its medium. Two, when we are being chased by trouble, we suffer as well. But God will appropriately remove it as we lean on Him. The following verse helps us understand this. “The LORD of hosts will arouse a scourge against him like the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb; and His staff will be over the sea and He will lift it up the way He did in Egypt” (Isa. 10:26).
Whatever may be the case the Lord God will work for His children; He will keep them safe. However, one ought to check to see where he stands in relation to His laws. Then, he can certainly know his suffering and the reason for it. Just because one appears to be thriving well in disobedience and mediocrity does not mean God has overlooked him or is not concerned with her. He watches their every step. Like it or not, all disobedience has consequences, though on one side he or she is thriving well. For this reason, there will be no true peace. Once you understand your suffering you should approach God with all your heart and strength. If it is for righteousness’ sake, then you will all the more be blessed. But if it is for disobedience’ sake, you will be saved and then be blessed. While you attempt such pursuit consider the following. They can be your stepping stones to deliverance.
- Make sure you are not misled. Do not grasp the teachings that support, cover up or ignore your disobedience. And when you are suffering for righteousness, do not grasp the words that condemn it. For you already know your condition and what your relationship with God is. “There is a conspiracy of her prophets in her midst like a roaring lion tearing the prey. They have devoured lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in the midst of her” (Ezek. 22:25). By being misled and be satisfied by it or be devoured by it only makes you a widow.
- Know and believe that all discipline of God will lead to blessing and glory. “David was the father of Solomon by Bathsheba who had been the wife of Uriah” (Matt. 1:6). Of all the children David had God chose Solomon to be David’s successor and furthermore, gave him the duty and honor of building His temple. Subsequently, as a mother Bathsheba alone was honored among David’s other wives.
- Believe that God needs you. Never underestimate the value you have before Him. Though you may not figure it out completely or even wonder what it might be, believe He desires you and so, needs you. He will relate to you your value to Him. “If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of it’” (Luke 19:31). If He needed a colt to praise His Son, you who are made in His image are much more worth to Him. So, He will certainly deliver you from whatever struggle you are facing. Say to your inner man – ‘God desires me, He needs me.’