You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Gen. 50:20)
A TSUNAMI DOESN’T LOOK like a normal ocean wave. Most waves appear in short wavelengths that break over as they approach the shore. Some may be large and appear threatening, but they nearly always fit a predictable pattern. In some places, a sea wall or other barrier may be erected to keep the waves in place.
A tsunami, or tidal wave, doesn’t look like a wave at all. These movements are generated by powerful sub-sea forces such as an earthquake or volcano. The resulting wave resembles an extremely high tide that moves inland rapidly, enveloping and overwhelming everything in its path. A conventional wave may look more spectacular, but a tsunami is far more powerful.
The problems and difficulties that we face in life are like ordinary waves—they rise and break, foam froth, and appear terrifying. But they are mostly harmless. The will of God, however, is like a tsunami: deep and powerful, able to overwhelm any obstacle that may stand in its way.
What worries you right now? Paul reminded us that neither life nor death, angels nor demons, nor anything else in all creation can thwart God’s plan for His beloved children (see Rom. 8:38–39). God’s character is unchangeable, His will unalterable, His plan for your life unassailable. God’s will shall be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Remain still for five minutes and think about all God is doing without your help.
Lawrence W. Wilson is a pastor, author, blogger, and avid cyclist from Fishers, Indiana. He is the author of A Different Kind of Crazy: Living the Way Jesus Lived (Wesleyan Publishing House).
