“How different things look to us after the bitter, experience has passed! When Jacob heard that Simeon had been kept a captive in Egypt, he said, ” Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take Benjamin away: all these things are against me.” But they were not against him; on the contrary, they were all working for him — working out a great deliverance, and a peaceful, happy old age. We can see it clearly enough; yet when our trials come, we complain, just as though ours were exceptions to the rule that ” all things work together for good to them that love God.” If we were absolutely sure that goods would result, we should bear the trial and the pain uncomplainingly; but in spite of all the assurances and all the examples of God’s word; we persist in looking at things as they seem now, instead of from the standpoint of eternity. Does anybody suppose that when we Stand by the river of life in the paradise of God, we shall have any regrets or sorrow for what we have suffered here ? — Of course not. We know that we shall not. Then what, is the use of indulging in such regrets here? We know that if God be for us, nothing can be against us, and that all things work — are now working — together for good to them that love God. Moreover, it is our privilege and our duty to look at thing from the eternal side, instead of from the temporal side, for God is our dwelling-place, and He inhabits eternity.” Review and Herald MARCH 4, 1902.
The passage from the Review and Herald, dated March 4, 1902, offers valuable lessons and insights:
- Perspective Changes with Time: The passage begins by highlighting how our perspective changes over time, especially after we’ve endured difficult experiences. Just as Jacob initially saw Simeon’s captivity as a negative event, we often perceive trials as setbacks in the present moment.
- Divine Providence: It draws attention to the idea that even in challenging times, God is at work behind the scenes. Jacob’s story illustrates that what appeared to be negative circumstances were actually part of a greater plan for good. This suggests that we should trust in God’s providence even when things seem bleak.
- All Things Work Together for Good: The passage references the biblical principle that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” This teaches us that even our trials and hardships can ultimately contribute to our benefit, growth, and spiritual development.
- Eternal Perspective: It encourages us to adopt an eternal perspective. Instead of dwelling on present difficulties, we should view our circumstances in the context of eternity. The passage implies that, when standing in the paradise of God, we will have no regrets for the trials we endured on Earth.
- Trust in God’s Presence: The passage reminds us that God is our dwelling-place and inhabits eternity. This underscores the importance of trusting in God’s presence and sovereignty, believing that He is orchestrating events for our ultimate good.
In summary, the passage encourages us to have faith in God’s providence, trust that even difficult experiences have a purpose, and adopt an eternal perspective that helps us endure trials with patience and hope. It reminds us that, in the grand scheme of eternity, our earthly trials will fade in significance, and we will ultimately find peace and joy in God’s presence.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
