«For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us» (Romans 8:18).
FOR YEARS I’ve been a faithful admirer of the Gaither Vocal Band, a Christian music group. One of their songs mentions the times that drive us to seek the Lord with all our soul. The chorus repeats that sometimes it takes a mountain, a troubled sea, or a desert to allow God to take control of our lives and for us to learn to trust and believe in Him.
Everything seems to indicate that each moment of pain can become an experience that will help us strengthen our faith. Ellen G. White said that «all who in this world render true service to God or man receive a preparatory training in the school of sorrow.» A good example of what we are referring to is Joseph.
Driven by envy, Joseph’s brothers sold him to some Midianites for «twenty shekels of silver» (Genesis 37:28). The price that was asked denotes they considered he wasn’t worth much. At that instant, his life took a 180-degree turn, and that day became the worst day of his life. Sometime later he was sold as a slave in Egypt; and once in that strange country, at Potiphar’s house, a fierce storm began, which would land him in jail. While all this was happening, Joseph «learned in a few hours which years might not otherwise have taught him.» Approximately two decades later, as he looked back, Joseph understood that what had been the worst day of his life had become his greatest blessing. Sobbing, he told his brothers, «Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you» (Genesis 45:5, NIV).
Sometimes it takes a storm, a mountain, a troubled sea, or a desert for us to finally understand God’s plan for us. In the Lord’s hands, our most difficult experiences will lead up to our greatest blessing in the end.
In Joseph we see the fulfillment of what Paul said: «The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us» (Romans 8:18).
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Angelica Cuate
