The previous thought, “Here on Purpose”, talked about how our situations or dilemmas have been God orchestrated. You and I are alive for God’s purpose and glory.
If we look at the life of Joseph, how did he respond when he was faced with difficult situations? We first find in Genesis 39:2 that the Lord was with Joseph. When Potiphar’s wife tried to sleep with him, Joseph said in Genesis 39:9, “….How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” Joseph remained faithful to God because God was faithful to him. If you remember Joseph was in the pit, in the palace, then in prison, and back in the palace all for God’s purpose. Joseph’s faith and trust never wavered. Joseph summed up this purpose thought by saying in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Since everything Joseph endured was on purpose, he placed his faith in the true and living God!
What about the woman with an issue of blood? We do not want to admit it, but she suffered for a long time on purpose. Her story was God choreographed for His glory. He used her difficult situation so that she would believe in Him, to encourage us today, to remind us that time cannot dictate His power, and to strengthen people’s faith in Jesus. We read about her life in Luke 8:43-48. It says, “A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped. ‘Who touched me?’ Jesus asked. Everyone denied it, and Peter said, ‘Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.’ But Jesus said, ‘Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.’ When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. ‘Daughter,’ he said to her, ‘your faith has made you well. Go in peace.’”
Yes, discouragements will come. Your faith in God may waver. If I have not heard anything else my pastor has been preaching about recently, it is to go to the secret place. What is the secret place? It is the place where God is. It is in His presence. It is in His word. In the secret place is all the answers you need. Peace is there. Faith is there. Strength is there. Patience is there. So, what do we do now? We run to the secret place.
Action Plan:
1. Now that you know that your circumstances have a purpose, go to the secret place.
2. In the secret place (God’s presence), listen for His voice and His direction. Then obey what He says.