Just because God brings something good out of a situation, doesn’t mean He orchestrated it.
I hear people talking about things, like what I’m going through now as if God did it to me.
But I know this for certain – God does not make people sick or hurt them or put them in the hospital or cause them harm in order to bring something good to them. You cannot give what you do not have and He does not have sickness, disease, or harm. He IS Love and love is none of those things. He is faithful, true, good, the Healer and He does not ever contradict Who He is.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.
John 10:10 NASB
There is an enemy. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy. That sounds more like sickness, hurt, etc. doesn’t it? He is not an equal opposite to God. We must never forget that. I used to think the devil was just like the dark side of God – equal in power just using it differently but that is not true. The devil is a created being, who seeks to hurt us to try to hurt God’s heart. He is limited where God is limitless. His abilities, powers, and permissions have limits. And…he is defeated, by the blood of Jesus spilled on the cross, by the empty tomb, by the spotless lamb who placed His blood on the mercy seat in Heaven on our behalf when He rose from the dead and ascended back into Heaven making a way for us to follow Him.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 NASB
Sometimes we forget that there is an enemy involved, but there is. Sometimes we forget that he is defeated and put all our focus on him, but that is what he wants.
Jesus asks us to be aware of his schemes. After all, he does come to steal, kill and destroy so we need to know what he’s up to and that he’s there. But then God tells us this, in Romans 8:28 (NASB) “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
He doesn’t cause them to happen, but He steps into the situation and makes it work for good. It’s part of what He’s done when He’s gone before us and behind us. He went before us making connections, putting things in order so we would be in the right place at the right time, equipped with what we needed but then He comes behind us, picking up what we missed, making up the difference, and turning things around. So, what was meant to destroy us or kill us – suddenly gives us life and blessing and strength, drawing us closer to God and enriching our lives instead of diminishing them.
God didn’t give me COVID or put me in the hospital. The enemy was trying to kill me and he tried really hard. BUT GOD!
God was with me. He ensured I had met my friend, Gwen, who saved my life by checking on me. He ensured I had the same doctor when I arrived via ambulance as I had when I went to ER a few days prior, someone who knew I was a fighter, and knew that I didn’t want to be intubated. He ensured my dog was taken care of so I wouldn’t have to worry about her why I fought for my life. He gave me favor with my apartment complex so I didn’t have to stress about my rent. He put me in the care of nurses who prayed for me, who were bold and audacious, and fought on my behalf in a way that only someone by your bedside can do. He put people in my life – hundreds of them – who faithfully prayed and pray still, for my healing and recovery. This is what it looks like to have a God who goes before and behind. A God who turns all things to good.
Yes, I learned a lot. Yes, I’m still learning. My life is changed. And, yes, I have God to thank that I have a life at all. But no, under no circumstances did God make me sick.
It’s important to know.
You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. You have laid your hand on me! This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible. Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.
Psalm 139:5-6 TPT
How can you trust the Healer if they are the one who harms you? How can you trust a God who makes you sick or hurts you to draw you closer? That is abuse and God is not an abusive God. He is love and He will come into your circumstances and situations and change them. He will change your heart, your perspective. He will give you promises and provisions that carry you through. But He is not the One who comes to steal, kill, and destroy. Not today. Not ever.
He is always Healer. Always Love. Always kind. Always life.
And I am grateful with all my being that He never, ever changes but is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. No one and nothing else can make that boast but God alone.
