“Just as out of the dark ground comes the blossom, so out of the night, a morning appears.” One of the most endearing qualities of humanity is our ability to look at life with optimism. This largely arises from the belief that we are the special creation of God. In contrast to that, some of the most hopeless and despairing individuals on earth are those who possess no hope beyond the grave.
One of the most encouraging messages of the Bible has to do with the fact that God “causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rm. 8:28). All things work together for good. Why? Because God is active in the affairs of men. He is the Prime Mover and works providentially to bring about that which is in accordance with His will and best for our lives. In view of God’s overruling sovereignty, we must trust in His wisdom and power. All things will work together for good. For whom? For those who love God. If we are pliable, He will shape us into conformity with the likeness of Jesus Christ (Rm. 8:29). But, if we are stubbornly rebellious, life’s difficulties and hardships will work to our undoing.
God can use difficult situations to mold our character and forge a stronger, more resilient faith. James reminds us: “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing” (Jas. 1:2-4). When we place our complete trust in God, even life’s most difficult moments can produce what is good.
Don’t lose sight of the promises of God. Paul writes, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). Keeping these things in mind, we can look at the world with an optimistic outlook. “Just as out of the dark ground comes the blossom, so out of the night, a morning appears.” Ultimately, this world will pass away; but out of that darkness will dawn the brightness of heaven’s eternal day.
— Glen Elliott —