He Brought Us Through!
Minister Chris Randolph
The Lord has truly blessed us to see another year. As we enter into 2019 I am extremely encouraged by what GOD did in 2018. This previous year was full of many challenges and difficult situations. It seemed at times as soon as one situation passed another situation arose. 2018 brought about misfortunes, heartbreaks, sickness, and death but today I am eternally grateful just to be able to see the New Year.
I am reminded of Job from the land of Uz. The Bible says Job was upright and perfect, feared GOD, and stayed away from evil. GOD even referred to Job as one of a kind. Job was one of the richest people in the area with children, servants, sheep, and camels. GOD allowed Satan to test Job’s faith. Satan believed Job would curse GOD if Job faced challenges and difficult challenges. Job started experiencing an unbelievable day of loss. Messengers came one after another, reporting Job’s loss of all his cattle, house, and each of his children.
At this point some people would feel all hope was lost and that GOD had undoubtedly forsaken them. Job’s own wife challenged him on why he was still being loyal to GOD. She told him to “curse GOD, and die” (Job 2:9). His own friends told him to repent for all his iniquities and did not believe Job when he assured them, he was sinless. Job attempted to understand and justify exactly what was going on in his life but as a man he did not have the mind of GOD. Out of a whirlwind GOD spoke to Job asking him if he was there when GOD laid the foundations of the Earth. Job acknowledged the limitless power GOD possessed and how nothing happens in this world without the permission of our Lord.
While at times 2018 brought about sadness and disappointment it was only by the grace of GOD that we are still here. If allowed, the enemy would have destroyed us, but GOD spared us from dangers seen and unseen. James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him” (KJV). It is so easy for us to reflect on things we do not want to relive, but I encourage you to remember what the Lord has brought you out of and delivered you from. Job lost it all but admitted he could not understand what GOD was going to do in his life. GOD ultimately blessed him, and Job had more abundance in land, children, and cattle than before.
So remember the fact that you being here in 2019 is because you made it through 2018. Last year’s test prepared you for greater challenges and a greater anointing to do His will. The Lord knows exactly what is needed to increase our faith and give us a testimony to tell others about His unyielding love. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10 KJV).