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"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."
(Romans 8:29)
This week, we are examining the dark moments we all must experience in this life. These trials seem to go on and on, and we ask, "Where is God, and what is He doing?" It is okay to ask such questions. God loves us and is patient with us. He is most assuredly at work, and we will understand at the appropriate time.
Dr. Charles Stanley was the beloved pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA for over 50 years. He knew about dark moments firsthand. I think he walked through what most would consider one of the hardest things anyone can go through, and that is the failure of one's marriage. But even after this traumatic trial in his life, he continued to be faithful to God and give his best in service to the Lord.
In his message, Stanley offers these helpful insights on getting through the dark seasons of our soul:
- Dark moments prepare us for the future. We have noticed this week the many trials Joseph endured as recorded in Genesis. Joseph became the Prime Minister of Egypt, but before that happened, God got him ready for the task. He had to learn about Egypt and their way of life. He had to learn a new language. God did not abandon him but blessed him in his sufferings. God taught him discipline and perseverance, to not give up or quit. God trained him to be a strong leader. Those 13 years were not wasted. God was preparing this Hebrew young man to be the Prime Minister of Egypt, sitting next to Pharaoh himself. God has a purpose for you, just as He did for Joseph. What is this purpose? Ultimately, it is to conform us to the likeness of Christ. See Romans 8:29, our focal text for today. The key for us to remember is to not give up. God knows what He is doing. Jimmy Draper wrote an excellent book on how we must press on. The title of the book is, Don't Quit Before You Finish: Serving Well and Finishing Strong.
- The ultimate purpose of dark moments is to conform us to the likeness of Christ. God is working in our lives to sand, sift, sculpt, and mold us in a way that our character becomes like the character of Jesus, where we love, forgive, and serve like Jesus did. He removes from our lives what ought not be there. He is purposely working in our lives today, but He also has in mind tomorrow.
God's love for us does not eliminate the suffering or heartache, but He will use it for His honor and glory and our good. Your life is not wasted in trials unless you respond in the wrong way. Many people don't figure this out until later. Often it is later in our lives when we see the impact we made in other people's lives. Stanley went on to say that if you live for any other purpose than to fulfill God's purpose, then you are going to be disappointed. The one thing that can satisfy you is Jesus living in you.
Tomorrow we will wrap up these lessons on getting through the dark seasons we all must endure.
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