How Jesus Uses Our Challenges for His Will

Life is full of challenges. Often, it may feel like we're facing constant hardships that test both our faith and our physical strength. As I get older, I find myself having more and more moments where it feels like the breath has been completely knocked out of me. However, within these seemingly impossible moments lies an unwavering truth: God is in control, and His will ultimately prevails. Scripture provides us with numerous instances that illustrate how Jesus uses hard times for His good. For example, we can look at Matthew 14:6-12 and Acts 7:54-60 to see how even death can serve a greater divine purpose.

Matthew 14 recounts the tragic story of the death of John the Baptist. To fully grasp the significance of this moment, it's essential to recognize John's role as a forerunner to Christ. His mission was to preach repentance and prepare the way for Jesus, but he ultimately faced persecution. In verses 6-12, we see John's imprisonment culminate in his execution, driven by the immoral desires of Herod and Herodias. During a lavish birthday feast, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance that captivated Herod. In a moment of reckless promise, he fulfilled her request. Herodias' daughter, influenced by her mother, requested John the Baptist's head on a platter, illustrating how evil desires can result in tragic outcomes. In times of great devastation, our minds may easily start to spiral and question the purpose of God's will. Even when the situation seems impossible to overcome, it is important to remember God's good and perfect will, which is in direct opposition to earthly injustices. John the Baptist's death is a wonderful example of this. His death served as a turning point inspiring Jesus' disciples to stay steadfast in their faith.

In Acts 7:54-60, we encounter the powerful story of Stephen, the first martyr of the Christian faith. Stephen boldly proclaimed the gospel, yet his truthfulness led to violent backlash. Angered by his message, the people dragged him out and stoned him. During his final moments, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen's life shows us that in times of persecution, God provides hope. Despite the despair surrounding him, Stephen received a divine glimpse of glory, a powerful reminder that even in our hardest moments, God can bring peace and assurance. Stephen even went as far as to ask for the forgiveness of the people who were stoning him. Acts 7:60, "And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Stephen's actions showed his acceptance of God's will, even as it led to his own death. His death sparked an unprecedented movement of faith in the early church. After Stephen's death, Acts 8:1 mentions that a great persecution arose, leading to the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. What looked like a setback became a catalyst for the expansion of the Gospel.

The stories in Matthew 14:6-12 and Acts 7:54-60 illustrate a significant truth: even in difficult times, God is actively working. Just as He turned the adversities faced by John the Baptist and Stephen into pivotal moments for His mission, He also intends to utilize our challenges for a positive purpose. Regardless of the situations we find ourselves in, it is essential to have faith in God's guidance and recognize His perfect design. A recurring theme in these stories is the sovereignty of God. Regardless of the chaos, loss, or injustice we observe in our lives, God’s ultimate plan unfolds according to His will. When hardship strikes, it is natural to seek comfort and understanding. It’s important to grasp that, while we may not always understand the reasons behind our struggles, we can lean into God’s character. God’s goodness encompasses a plan that often exceeds our understanding. Trusting in His sovereignty equips us to withstand even the hardest seasons. This is the reason why it is essential to have steadfast faith while we are on this side of heaven.

Reflecting on the challenges I have faced in my personal life serves as a reassuring affirmation of how the Lord has used those difficulties for His purpose. While we may not always understand the divine plan because of the fallen state of the world, we can find peace in the knowledge that God was with us in the past and remains by our side today. When I got pregnant with my oldest daughter, who is now 4, I was told at 12 weeks that I would have to have an abortion due to an underlying health condition I had. My husband and I prayed and believed that termination was not the path intended for our little girl by the Lord. I was monitored closely throughout my pregnancy and was later told that she had a heart defect that could potentially require major surgery after delivery. The doctors advised us to take her to a cardiologist before being discharged from the hospital. Upon examination, the cardiologist found no issues with her heart at all! I never could have imagined the incredible ways in which the Lord has worked through my daughter, and this is but just a small example of His wonderful works.

When we think about John and Stephen's lives, we are reminded that their faith testified to God's sovereignty. Even when circumstances seem unbearably dark, light can emerge through genuine faith and trust in God's perfect plan. As we navigate the challenges of life, we can find peace in knowing that He understands our suffering and uses it for His greater purpose. I encourage you to reflect on the hardships you have faced in the past and see ways that the Lord used that suffering for a higher purpose.