With a ping on my phone, two little images appeared, innocent images that reminded me of God’s goodness in a trying time. What greater example of God’s love and hope for the human race can we see than ultrasound photos of a child in its mother’s womb? Immediately, the Holy Spirit whispered that God works the spiritual changes in our hearts in secret as well, out of our sight, yet fashioned with the same care and purpose as a pre-born child.
For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
Psalm 139:13-16 (ESV)
God Forms Us through Trials
Just as we cannot know the future of a child in utero, we cannot know what God will accomplish through the spiritual trials that arrive in our lives unexpectedly. Shocking news, an accident, a betrayal, a lie, can suck the breath from our lungs and the hope from our hearts. However, our heavenly Father knew all along what would come, and when.
With as much planning as our Lord formed our inward parts, he chooses what trials and sorrows to allow in order that our spirit might reach maturity. Verse 16 assures us nothing happens by accident: “…in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me…” And everything is designed to ultimately bring glory to God.
God Forms Us with Purpose
Our inheritance is guarded in heaven through faith. 1 Peter 1:6 says,
“though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Do you comprehend the hope? A child is born when its body reaches the maturity necessary for life outside the womb of its mother. We finally realize our hope of heaven when we reach our spiritual maturity predetermined by God. Each trial, each lesson learned, each victory won here on earth prepares us for the next, culminating in our glorious hope of heaven.
James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
God Protects Us and Gives Us Victory
When hard times come into our lives, we are not to run in fear. Knowing that God waits at the end of the tunnel, we can walk in confidence, knowing we will come out stronger on the other side. Jesus is glorified when we stay the course and allow struggles to accomplish their work. Just as that infant passes through the birth canal into the safety of its mother’s arms, so we will pass through our own fiery trials and emerge as victorious saints of God.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.”
Time and time again, scripture reminds us that Jesus is our protector, our enabler, and our example that it is possible to triumph over this world’s struggles. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
When trials come, remember that your heavenly Father has a plan and a purpose. Trust him for safe passage. Overcome in his strength. God formed you for such a time as this. We cannot begin to imagine how God will bring victory out of our messes and trials, but if we trust him, there is no limit to what he can do. His plans a purposes are always for our good and for his glory.
I’m so thankful for God’s peace, presence, and guidance through all of life.
Oh, how wonderfully we are formed as we are knit together, and reformed through our trials. I am grateful for the purpose God sows into our lives as we grow and He heals us. Thank you!
It’s so reassuring that God won’t waste the “stuff” in our lives.