4TH WEEK OF EASTER

Those who had been scattered by the persecution . . . went . . . , preaching the word. 

There is an adage that says, “God writes straight with crooked lines.”   It means that God has a way of accomplishing his plans through—and perhaps despite—the twists and turns of human history.   Surely, when the severe persecution arose, it looked like a premature and swift end to the Church.   How could this band of believers survive such violent opposition?

But not even the passion and rage of man can defeat God.   As Paul told the Corinthians, had the rulers of Jesus’ day understood God’s wisdom, they would never have crucified Jesus—but God vindicated Jesus by raising him from the dead (1 Corinthians 2:8).   Similarly, though the persecution in Jerusalem was meant to put an end to these upstart followers of Christ, it actually spread the proclamation of the Gospel, first to Jews, then to the Greeks, so that “a large number of people was added to the Lord” (Acts 11:24).

The same is true in your life.   Twists, turns, and crooked lines are sure to occur.   Maybe they weren’t in your plans.   Yet none of them can thwart God’s ultimate plan for you.   No matter what developments arise in your life, he is infinitely creative and always able to bring about his deepest desires.   He wants you to live with him forever, so he will do everything to help you get there.

But what can you do when all that you can see is the bend in the road?

Start by reminding yourself as you face that curve:   God always has an answer in mind.   Hold fast to what you know, despite what you can’t see ahead of you.   Those early believers, though hounded out of Jerusalem, continued to proclaim the good news.   In the same way, you can continue to love and serve the Lord, wherever you are, whatever has happened.   Cling to the truths you do know even as you wait for God to show you the next steps he has planned for you.   Listen, as you pray, for the Lord’s gentle encouragement.   He will help you negotiate life’s curves.

“Lord, I can’t see where you’re leading me right now, but I trust that you are working out your good will in my life.”

Psalm 87:1-7
John 10:22-30