Greetings, brothers and sisters in Christ and children of God,

Our journey in life is filled with circumstances, and we often find that our circumstances can be overwhelming, especially if we do not understand why our circumstances are happening. We begin to ask the questions, “Why did this happen?”, ” Why did God allow this?”, “Why am I being punished?”. It is because we do not understand the “why” that we ask these questions. As parents, we do many things, with our children asking “why”, and yet we do it because our understanding and plans for them are greater than their understanding. Our God is our Father whose understanding and plan is greater than ours.

In Genesis 39, we find poor Joseph, son of Jacob, taken captive and put in jail after an incident with Potiphar’s wife. His circumstances did not look promising. Because of his gift to interpret dreams, Joseph was released after two years and made second in command to Pharaoh. God used Joseph to bring his family out of Canaan and escape the famine.

In Exodus 14, we read about the Israelites being allowed to leave Egypt. However, Pharaoh had changed his mind and began to chase the Israelites, who found themselves trapped between the Egyptian army and the Red Sea. Their circumstances were not too good, though we know the story of how God used Moses to part the Red Sea, and the Israelites escaped by crossing the sea to the other side.

The Israelites were being led to the promised land, which was only a two-week journey. They saw their circumstances all around them and began to lose faith in God and even became disobedient, which led to them wandering 40 years in the wilderness. After 40 years, they were allowed to enter the land, just as God had planned.

The disciples also faced many circumstances as they preached the word. Their first big circumstance came right after Jesus was crucified. Their leader was gone, and they were lost at what to do, where to go. I’m certain they, too, began asking the question “why?” “Why did God allow this?” Their faith was a bit shaken, and some even had doubts about Jesus as the Messiah. They began to look at their circumstances, and the darkness of hopelessness set in. Until the third day, when Jesus revealed that He was alive and that He had overcome death. It was then that they found their joy again. It was all part of God’s plan.

God does not punish us through our circumstances; our punishments come after many warnings, and that is how we know they are punishments. God does, however, allow our circumstances to happen to further His kingdom. He allowed Joseph to be jailed, He allowed the Israelites to be caught between the Egyptian army and the sea, He allowed Christ to die, all for the glory of His kingdom.

We should not look at our circumstances, but look to God, for He will carry us through them to further His kingdom. He uses us and our circumstances to demonstrate His power over everything, including the circumstances. So, the next time you find yourself faced with a circumstance that you do not understand why you are having to face during your journey, remember that on the other side, there is a better place that God intended to take you.

Last week, the little lambs learned about the Armor of God, as described by Paul in Ephesians. Paul tells us that we must put on our armor every day to battle the enemy, who is a master of lies and deception. The armor of God protects us and strengthens us. This week, we will not have children’s church, as the Pastor has a special message for the congregation. I encourage all who can attend to be there. If you cannot attend, please watch the message via Facebook or our website. Nursery, however, will be available for the younger ones.

I look forward to worshipping our Lord with you tomorrow with songs of praise and dancing before the one who first loved us. If, for whatever reason, I do not see you tomorrow, may the Lord bless you with joy, peace, and love, and may He comfort you, heal you, and give you wisdom and guidance when you need it.

God bless you,

Your brother in Christ

Michael (aka Mr. Michael)