Year of Realization - Day 3: The Lord may use contrary circumstances to get you where you need to be

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I think most people have heard some version of the story about an old mule falling into a dry well. As the story goes, the owner of the mule, deciding that it was old and there was no way it could be rescued, conscripts some friends to help him bury the mule in the well. As they first start throwing shovels full of dirt into the well, the mule makes fearful sounds at the added trauma of having dirt repeatedly thrown on it. Interestingly, after a few minutes, the mule stopped making noise. Figuring it was dead, they look into the well. To their surprise they see that the donkey is shaking off the dirt and packing it down under its feet. And, as you might’ve guessed, after a while, as they continued shoveling dirt in on the mule, it got the point where it was able to step out of the well.

Now, whether or not that scenario would actually work, is beside the point. The story illustrates how you can use adversity to get out of the trouble you’re in. But you have to shake off what’s being thrown at you, stomp it under your feet, and stand on it.

As Christians, we must allow the Lord to keep us and shepherd us even through “the valley of the shadow of death.” Indeed, the apostle Paul expressed this sentiment concerning his ability to withstand all circumstances:

“Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

But what about the story with the mule? Can difficult circumstances actually be working for our good? Can we do more than survive adversity? Can adversity actually be used to fulfill our purpose?

Our opening scripture expresses the assurance that even hostile circumstances, indeed, ALL things, can be used to fulfill God‘s plan for, in, and through, our lives.

The Lord put an interesting scenario in my mind. It is one of sinking in the muddy waters of a swamp, only to have your situation made worse by suddenly seeing an alligator swiftly approaching. Now, of course, the natural reaction would be to assume that this was the end. But, imagine that if the alligator, instead of attacking you, came beside you and allowed you to crawl up on its back and you were actually taken to safety by the beast! The Lord impressed on me that this type of scenario—though highly unlikely in the natural—can be, and often is, the way He works.

Whereas the phrase, “the Lord moves in mysterious ways,” is not from the Bible per se, the sentiment is certainly seen throughout the word of God. Time and again, God used dangerous, uncomfortable, or even potentially deadly circumstances to perform His will.

In fact, that famous line was written by the English poet, William Cowper who repeatedly, and unsuccessfully, had set out to kill himself, but was repeatedly prevented from doing so in “mysterious ways.” Here is that poem:

1

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

2

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill,

He treasures up his bright designs,

And works his sov'reign will.

3

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.

4

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust him for his grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.

5

His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding ev'ry hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flow'r.

6

Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan his work in vain;

God is his own interpreter,

And he will make it plain,

Indeed, Esther was born into contrary circumstances. Not only was she born in a foreign land, she had lost her parents and was raised by her relative, Mordecai. But, as we discussed yesterday, her circumstances worked to put her in the right place at the right time to fulfill her purpose and her part in the plan of God.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming. Get ready for Him!

#yearofrealization