“Before this faith came, we were held prisoners, locked up until faith should be revealed.” Galatians 3: 23 KJVThe Bible tells us that God gave people His law in the Old Testament so they could see how utterly hopeless it was to live up to God’s holy standards.
Not everyone reading this, but maybe a few of you can relate to being “locked up.” God still causes some of us to be “locked up until faith” is learned. Are you in a really difficult place right now, maybe the hardest thing you ever had to deal with? No, God is not punishing you for past sins you’ve committed before you were saved – get that out of your mind because your past and everything in it, is covered by the blood of Christ. The Bible says there is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus. I say this, because when this disease manifested itself… that’s exactly where my mind went!
My purpose in writing this is to be crystal clear – Whatever adverse thing you’re going through is the perfect will of God for you right now in this season of your life. And those who disagree with that usually are the ones who were never touched… or I should say, never ‘learned or matured’ in the things of God, as a result of their pain and anguish. I can only speak this because God met me in the midst of my suffering and taught me some of His treasures in darkness. And He’s still teaching me.
This sounds very strange, I know, but why don’t you thank God He allowed this circumstance in your life? As hurtful as it may be, know that He has allowed it so He could teach you… the #1 thing you will most probably learn is how to rely on Him. He will allow your crutches to collapse so you turn only to Him. God will give you the exact amount of grace you need to overcome whatever it is you’re up against. God will send you blessings and help, and will reveal truths to you that otherwise would never have come your way. And many others will receive great insights and blessings because you were “locked up.” Things will get better if you don’t get bitter.
I invite you if you have the time, to leave a comment on how you were “locked up,” and how God brought you out of that experience and what He taught you. I’ll publish the comments on my blog. It will surely encourage others. Have a great weekend!