For most people, when we have economic downturns and other challenges, if we are spiritually oriented people we cannot help but ask ourselves the question: “Where is God in all this?” Most people then, have no doubts about God being the source of a prosperous living, good health, stable economy and a happy social life etc. But when hard times happens, very few of us consider the hard reality that God could be the Source of our challenging circumstances.
God tells us through the Prophet Isaiah that He is the Source of our calamities at times. A man who was considered in his day to be the wisest man who ever lived wrote:
“When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other.” - (Ecclesiastes 7:14).
There are many Scriptures that tell us God does His most effective mentoring when we are challenged by hard times. My favorite is in chapter fifteen of the Gospel of John where Jesus tells us He is a Vine and we are His branches. When we are fruitful branches because we are aligned with Him, His Father, Who is the divine Vine Dresser, cuts us back, or prunes us, that we might bring forth better quality and quantity of fruit.
Therefore, what often seems like a setback is the cutback of a loving heavenly Father who is pruning us so we will be more fruitful. Jesus told the apostles in the Upper Room that He wanted them to be more fruitful so their joy would be full (John 15:11). More fruit, ultimately more joy. That can be why God is the Source of our calamities at times.
God Bless you in Jesus' name.
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