THEME: “TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST, TOUGH PEOPLE DO”
READ ISAIAH 45:1-3
HIDDEN RICHES IN SECRET PLACES
Key Verse: “I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the LORD, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel” (Isaiah 45:3 NKJV).
God’s word to King Cyrus, a Persian has a bit of irony. The irony is this, that treasures could be found in darkness and hidden riches in secret places? This means that God hides treasures and riches where we least expect them to be. That is the way our God works. His ways are completely different from our ways and his thoughts different from our thoughts.
Behind tough times lie blessings. The best treasures of the world are not found on the surface but deep beneath the earth. We have to explore to find crude oil, gold and diamonds. Usually exploring for these gems take time and very difficult. Difficult times precede times of blessings. God in his wisdom makes or allows good to come out of what is seemingly evil. After the sufferings of the children of Israel in Shushan came freedom from the hand of their oppressors and Haman. Joseph’s brothers hardly believed his dream that he would become a Prime Minister.
It is difficult to imagine what good or blessings that would come out of COVID -19. The new Coronavirus has unleashed hunger, unemployment, and mental illness on the world. Can good come out of sufferings? But God is a Master of surprises. No adjective is adequate to describe how our God works. Let us be rest assured that after COVID-19 will come blessings and good of unimaginable proportions. In Romans 8:18, Paul puts this rhythm of suffering preceding joy this way, “I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us” (Romans 8:18 TPT).
But why would God allow mysteries to come out of darkness or evil? It is so that his greatness might be known to all of creation. Like he said to King Cyrus, “that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.” Everything God does is for his glory. He works to make his glory known to man in several ways. God allowed COVID-19 for a purpose the fullness of which we would know much later.
William Cowper in his classic hymn summarized the ways of God thus:
God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines, of never-failing skill; He treasures up his bright designs and works his sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; the clouds ye so much dread; Are big with mercy, and shall break, In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust him for his grace; Behind a frowning providence, he hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding ev’ry hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err, and scan his work in vain; God is his own interpreter, and he will make it plain.
Can good come out of COVID-19 or out of hard times? Yes, it can. COVID-19 is God’s opportunity for nations to reset their agendas and their programmes. Hard times is an opportunity to stop and think about the emptiness of life without God.
PRAYER: Father, thank God for the hidden riches you have kept in store for us in these times
