God's Care For Us!

John Piper, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, is a good friend of mine. We talk almost daily and I value his advice and his friendship so very much.

Now, don’t misunderstand me. John Piper is unaware of our friendship. Yes, we have met and I have talked with him and shaken his hand but he would not know me from Adam. But that does not change the friendship we have. It is through his sermons, blog writings, and books in which he skillfully advises me. I can’t tell you how many times that I have needed a good word and God has used John to encourage me. I love John and thank God for him and his friendship.

This morning John offered some much needed and edifying thoughts. He spoke to me about how God cares for his children. Or “The Two Stages of God’s Care for Us” is how John put it. How he both fetters and frees. This is what John wrote to me:

In this age, God rescues his people from some harm. Not all harm. That’s comforting to know, because otherwise we might conclude from our harm that he has forgotten us or rejected us.
So be encouraged by the simple reminder that in Acts 16:19-24 Paul and Silas were not delivered, but in verses 25-26 they were.

First, no deliverance:

“They seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace.” (v. 19)
“The magistrates tore the garments off them.” (v. 22)
They “inflicted many blows upon them.” (v. 23)
The jailer “fastened their feet in the stocks.” (v. 24)

But then deliverance:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God...and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. (v. 25-26)

God could have stepped in sooner. He didn’t. He has his reasons. He loves Paul and Silas.

Question for you: If you plot your life along this continuum, where are you? Are you in the stripped and beaten stage, or the unshackled, door-flung-open stage?

Both are God’s stages of care for you.

If you are in the fettered stage, don’t despair. Sing. Freedom is on the way. It is only a matter of time. Even if it comes through death.

Thanks John, I needed those words today and I can’t wait till we talk again!