There are not always great reversals in this life

In my previous posts I have not wanted to give the impression that God turns around every difficult, challenging situation in this life. Heberws 11 makes that clear.

The writer (whom I believe to be Apollos) starts out in Hebrews 11:32 through the first half of verse 35 by talking about great reversals. But then he writes, “Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated.”

The writer then makes an astute observation: “the world was not worthy of” these people.

Apollos makes it clear that everyone in this life is looking for what God has planned for us. Moving to the Gospel of John, Christians have abundant life, even in the midst of persecution. To Matthew 5, where Jesus tells us that we are blessed (twice!) when we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.

So, even if you do not experience a much for hoped for great reversal please know that God loves you just as much as those who have had such reversals. It is hard. Sometimes crushing.

I have felt that way multiple times in my life, all the way back to when I was 11 years old and my father died. Nothing could bring him back. And yet, God used that 4 years later (to the month?) to sovereignly draw me to Himself and eventually let me know that He is my Heavenly Father who will never leave more forsake me.

I conclude with Hebrews 12:2 and 3, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”