You brought us into the net; you laid a crushing burden on our backs; you let men ride over our heads. —Psalm 66:11–12
When we feel mistreated by other people, misunderstood, and even persecuted, who is behind it all? Who brought us into that net? Who laid that crushing burden on our backs? The psalmist says, “God, You did.”
It can be hard to see that it’s God who’s at work in our lives, yet He’s using that oppressive person or circumstance to slow us down, get our attention, and expose our hearts. He’s using those situations to refine us into the image of His Son.
How else would we see that we’re selfish or angry if we didn’t experience the circumstances that brought it out? How else would we come to brokenness, humility, and surrender to God if He didn’t create circumstances in our lives to let us know we’ve got spiritual needs?
When we see the hand of God behind the tests and realize that He’s good, wise, and loving, we can walk through the fire in peace and assurance, knowing He is in control.
Make it Personal
Ask God to show you His hand at work in your current circumstances. How might He be using them to make you more like Jesus?