My brother, my sister, let’s not forget that God is the Ruler of light and darkness, and both experiences will be part of our lives at one point or another. The fact is, we need good times as much as bad times to grow spiritually.
Today’s passage says this: “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things. “You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness flourish with it; I, the Lord, have created it.”
You see, some people think they do not need God because everything seems to work well for them and they do not experience some hardships that others may go through daily. My friend, such people base their “all is well” on what they see or feel, but if they could see through their souls and their spirits, the parts of us that are invisible, nobody would have to tell them to seek the Lord Jesus Christ … all alone, they would run to Him. Why? Because the Bible says: “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well” (3 John 1:2)… Yes, someone can have great wealth in this world, it does not mean that the person is healthy, prosperous or successful before God if the person’s soul does not abide in Christ to live by faith in God and by His Word… This explains why Zacchaeus felt the need to return half of all his wealth when he met Jesus (Luke 19:1-10): being a tax collector, he himself knew how he had gathered it… certainly through dishonest methods! Now, you who already have Christ, what is today’s hardship that lasts just for a moment compared to the life abundant you are freely offered for eternity by Jesus? So, set your eyes on Him during difficult times.
Yes, my friend, when good times come, thank the Lord and use your prosperity to honour Him. When bad times come, thank the Lord and don’t resent those times, but ask the Lord what you can do to learn from this spiritual refinement that can allow you to become a better son or daughter of God. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.