Since we all live real lives with dusty feet and bombarded minds, it is hard to fully fathom the truth sometimes. As Christians we are bound to blessing. In every situation, we are victorious in Christ.
As I read my bible, I am often overwhelmed with God’s great grace in turning curses, failure, and disgrace in blessing. It is evidence of His redeeming character.
Examples
Look at Balaam (Numbers 23 & 24). The king of Moab hired Balaam to “come and put a curse on” the people of Israel. However, much to Balak’s distress, again and again Balaam could speak only blessing.
“But the LORD your God refused to listen to Balaam.
He turned the intended curse into a blessing
because the LORD your God loves you.”
Deuteronomy 23:5
What about Joseph? Sold as a slave by his brothers, falsely accused and imprisoned by his employer, forgotten by those he helped to release, ”
“They bruised his feet with shackles,
his neck was put in irons,
till what he foretold came to pass,
till the word of the LORD proved him true.”
Psalm 105:18-19
This wasn’t a fifteen-year cake-walk for Joseph. Yet, he learned to depend on the faithfulness of God to turn the worst of circumstances into the greatest of blessings.
“You intended to harm me,
but God intended it for good to accomplish
what is now being done,
the saving of many lives.”
Genesis 50:20
Haman was determined to have not only Mordecai, but all Jews executed. The book of Esther is a beautiful illustration of God turning the evil intentions of others into freedom for an entire nation. I could mention Daniel, David, Paul, and the early apostles; the greatest example is Jesus Himself.
“…You disowned the Holy and Righteous One…
You killed the author of life, But God raised him from the dead…
Repent…turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,
that times of refreshing may come
from the Lord.”
Acts 3:13-19
Undoubtedly, Jesus Christ is the greatest reversal of curse to blessing, bearing the full weight of all curse to bring humanity full blessing.
Expect Trouble
In Canada being a Christian may not always be popular, but it is still safe. Not so in many other nations, and maybe not for long here either. If true persecution for our faith arises, how should we respond? Actually, my bigger question is, “Lord, how will I respond?”
“If you falter in a time of trouble,
how small is your faith.”
Proverbs 24:25
Perhaps, it would be wise to settle ourselves before the day comes. God delights in using trouble and struggle as a channel bringing spiritual good to many.
Afflictions have a way of humbling and teaching us:
“Then Job replied to the LORD:
I know that you can do all things’
no purpose of yours can be thwarted…
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know…
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job 42:1-6
Difficulties help us to see and understand in ways that were impossible for us before. It is proof of God’s nature to bring blessing.
“The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” vs 12
Yet the turn around does not always come in our lifetime!
Paul says,
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed,
but will have sufficient courage
so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
(Phil 1:20-21)
Christ must be first! Always!
Again, eternal perspective offers solid ground,
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving
for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
( 2 Cor. 4:17)
Back up a few verses and you see Paul is talking about being “hard-pressed… crushed… perplexed… persecuted… struck down“. Hardly light or momentary unless viewed from eternity!
The Source
Perhaps the first thing to do is a little self-examination. Perhaps God is using the opponent or critic to help us deal with a blind spot or sin in our own lives. Even when the opposition comes harshly or with poor attitudes it may be worth taking a moment and asking God what His thoughts are in the situation.
Jesus wants us to see that our enemies can actually be our greatest allies. Listen to His command:
“But to you who are listening I say:
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Luke 6: 27-28
Let’s Get Practical
When we begin to believe God intends to turn curses into blessings, it will change the way we see adversity.
Sit down today with pencil and paper; begin to write down every adverse thing that is coming against you and your family right now. It probably won’t take long to create a good-sized list.
Now on a second piece of paper write out the opposite; write out what God’s blessing would look like. I remind you that in Christ, you are forever bound into blessing.
“…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us…”
Romans 8: 39
The final step is completely destroying the first list!
David used the very sword of Goliath that was coming against him to defeat his opposing giant. As a result, the whole nation followed in victorious courage. Quite often. the thing that is coming against us the strongest is the very place God desires to use to bring victory and blessing.