These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33
I have not heard “these are turbulent times” for quite some time now; perhaps because that description no longer does justice to our times. Chaos abounds! It has become normative.
One bit of comfort (if you can receive it): Tribulation is normal for the followers of Jesus. In fact, it is helpful. The Greek word for “transformed” in 2Corinthians 3:18 and Romans 12:2 is metamorphoō.
See what I mean? God uses tribulation to mature us into the very image of the glory of Jesus Christ.
The tribulation that has come to the church in America will continue to intensify. It will be felt by individuals and organizations of all kinds. Many are already suffering. Few know what to do, or how to help their neighbor.
Tribulation does not have to be a bad thing. God used tribulation to force the Gospel out of Jerusalem. The nation of Israel was formed out of the tribulation of WWII and Hitler’s genocide.
We do not have to be overcome by tribulation. There are ways to find – and help others find – the peace, joy and strength of God, in the midst of the chaos. There is a safe place. It is called “the center of God’s will”.
Of course, finding that place is easier said than done. Good intentions are not the same as being intentional. To find Him, we must seek for Him with all of our hearts.
So, where do we start? How do we find the center of God’s will? To find God’s will in any situation, we need to understand and commit ourselves to what He is trying to accomplish. I suggest we start with the three eternal purposes of God.
Restoring What Was Lost
Adam and Eve (and their offspring) were not the only ones who lost something in the Rebellion. God lost something, too. In fact, the remainder of His story is the restoration of those things – for His own pleasure and glory. At the end of the story, we find all things restored.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” Revelation 21:3
- “He will dwell with them” – God will restore the habitation He intended to have with His people (see John 14:23).
- “They shall be His people” – God will restore the intimate relationship He desires to have with His children (John 17:3).
- “God Himself will be… their God” – God will fully restore His reign in the hearts of His subjects (Mark 1:14-15).
It is important to note that Revelation 21:3 is the physical manifestation of what we now experience spiritually (e.g., the kingdom of God has come, and it is coming).
Consider this: God is leveraging every opportunity to restore what He has lost in our rebellion. If we join Him, we will be gloriously drawn into the center of His will. As leaders in the workplace (including church organizations), we will draw others with us. It is time for us to turn our good intentions into intentional action.
Humbly yours and forever His,
