Romans8:28 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. NLT
I read about an evangelist that went to preach in a town. As he was about preaching, the clouds formed and the skies poured its content heavily. He prayed that rain won't fall but he felt so bad that rain fell and his crusade couldn't hold. He left that village frustrated and was bitter against God. Years later, he met a man from that town where he had a failed crusade. The man confessed to him that he was a witch doctor who had a plan to harm him on the night rain fell during his botched crusade. The man confessed to him that it was the rain that destroyed the potency of his charm and that led to his conversion. The evangelist was awestruck. He repented quickly and gave thanks to God for using a seemingly bad occurrence to spare his life.
My first time in Ghana, I experienced something similar as we were about starting our evening crusade in Agou-Fie village among the Challa people. There was a very heavy downpour. I felt so bad about it because it looked like a hindrance to me. After the rain stopped, the village nurse told me that the people would say it was our presence that brought rain because they've been praying for rain to fall for months because of their farms. Eventually, when we started the program, so many villagers came to hear God's word because they were happy about what happened. We might have looked like "gods" to some of them. To me, the rain was a distraction but God used it to announce His presence to the villagers. Even the paramount chief, an idolater was present in the program. In God's grand plan for our lives, we can never be disadvantaged no matter how bad the situation is. We tend to focus on the ugliness of our situation but we often fail to see the beauty God is working out through it.
We need to have what a preacher call "Gen 50-20" vision. What is that all about? In Genesis 50:20, Joseph said, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." That's the way God works. Stop accusing God for that delay, He is in your situation working things out to fit into His great grand plan for your life. That setback is a set up for a step up. Joni Erickson Tada says, “God allows what he hates to accomplish what he loves.” When the devil struck Jesus, he thought he had won but he failed to realize that killing Jesus was his greatest undoing: "But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord."(1Cor2:8). When he resurrected, He arose triumphant saying: “...All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.",Matt28:18. God is turning your pain to gain. He is working behind the scene to make you laugh last. Trust in Him.
CONFESSION: Father I thank you because you're turning my ugly situation around to bring out your beauty and glory in me. All things are working for my good in the name of Jesus Christ. I am triumphant.
N:B July 23rd-25th, we shall be in Lemo for crusade and Awado people shall also benefit from our medical&welfare outreach. Partner with us in prayers&finances to execute this program effectively. If you have good clothes&gift items for the villagers, kindly contact Bro Monday to pick them up: 08069526360.