God's Glory Church

“If God is for us, then who is against us?” — Romans 8:31

“In the morning I thought I was worth a lot of money. Now I don’t know if I have even a dollar.” Former US President Ulysses Grant uttered these words the day a business partner appropriated all of his savings. A few months later, he was diagnosed with cancer. Worried about the future of his family, Grant agreed to the writer Mark Twain’s offer to publish his memoirs. He completed work on them a week before his death.

The Bible tells of another man who also had to worry about his family. This is Patriarch Yakov. First, he was told that “a wild beast… had eaten” his beloved son Joseph (Genesis 37:33). Then his other son, Simeon, was taken as a hostage in a foreign country with the demand that his younger son, Benjamin, be brought there. In despair, Jacob shouted: “It’s all on me!” (Genesis 42:36).

But Jacob should not cry, but rejoice. Some time passed, and he learned that Joseph was alive and that God had been working to preserve his family all this time. This story shows that the Creator can be trusted even when we don’t see His hand in our circumstances.

Grant’s memoir was a huge success, providing for his family for many years. Although he himself did not see it, his wife did. Our vision is limited, but God sees everything. He gave His Son for us and thereby showed His attitude towards us. And “if God is for us, then who is against us?” (Rom. 8:31). So let’s trust Him.

How has God turned adversity to your advantage? In what area do you need to trust Him?

Dear Savior, help me to look to You and not to my problems. You are always faithful.

Author: James Banks