"Evidence Of His Presence"

"And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve." Acts 27:22,23

 

There are those who think that just because God is with them nothing bad should ever happen in their lives. They say that if He is there then why did this bad thing happen. The presence of bad things, loss, tribulation, testing, pain, etc. is not because of the absence of God. He is present even when difficulties come, when hardship grips you, and when you are in the midst of trial and storm. 

 

Paul was in a ship in a storm being tossed to and fro in fear of losing his life. Daniel was in a lion's den facing man-eating hungry lions. The three Hebrews were in a furnace heated seven times hotter. David stood before a giant who was much stronger than he was. The presence of the storm, the lions, the fire, and the giant was not an indication of the absence of God. Instead it was a testimony to His presence. 

 

Even though the ship was destroyed Paul was saved. Even though the lions roared Daniel came out without even a scratch. Even though the furnace was so hot that it killed the ones who threw the Hebrews in it, they came out of it and didn't even smell like smoke. Even though the giant was bigger, stronger, and more skilled in fighting than David was, David killed him and made a trophy out of his head. Though each one went through trying situations, they each experienced victory. Why is that? Because the presence of the Lord had not abandoned them, He was with them each one through it all. 

 

Remember this-- bad situations are not an indication that God is not there. We will all face trials, hardships and times that try our souls-- Jesus Himself said that in this world we would have tribulation-- but rest assured that the Lord is with you standing beside you and walking with you through it. 

 

Have a great day. The presence of bad situations is not an indication of the absence of God. The fact that the situation has not destroyed you is a testimony to His presence. 

 

For further reading:

John 15:33

Psalm 34:19; 23:4