Romans 8: 28 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.
Even though there is much death and grief across the land because of the pandemic, there is also a lot of good that has come about as a result. The blows that nations and individuals have endured have also been tempered with changes that are for the better in many instances while in other situations, adverse effects will linger for many years.
The Bible teaches us to dwell on the positives, even in situations where we are confronted with serious challenges, difficulties, disappointments, and griefs. That’s why we’re advised not to grieve as do others who have no hope, but to look forward to that day when God will make all things new.
So, as nations and individuals continue to assess the fallout from the virus, many are concluding that it has been a scenario of “Good trouble”, a mixture of good and evil, so that even in the midst of ongoing adversities, there is much for us to be thankful for, and there is some reason to rejoice, because much trouble is often tempered with much good.
The Bible teaches us that in all things we should give thanks, for whenever an attitude of gratitude is incorporated into our outlook on life, it causes us to see the good that comes out of trouble, instead of the darkness that may be disseminated because of adversities.
Before the current pandemic struck, persons went about life as usual, travelling to and from work on busy highways, being stuck in traffic jams for hours in some cases, while the atmosphere was polluted with carbon dioxide from the exhausts of millions of cars, trucks, including the airline industry. (Good trouble)
But now, with many folks working from home, the air has become much cleaner and the smog which once hovered above many cities has seen dramatic decreases as a direct result. And because there are much less vehicles on the road, greenhouse gases have plummeted to levels not seen in recent years. (Good trouble)
People living in Punjab India are now able to see the peaks of the Himalayas, whereas before Covid, they were essentially hidden from view by a thick, dense smog which enveloped the city. In Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and Jakarta, clear blue skies have now emerged, where prior to 2020, air pollution was of grave concern, especially for those with allergies, or breathing issues. (Good trouble)
Another example of the “Good trouble” we are now experiencing is that many persons who formally had to live in the large metropolitan areas, with sky high rents, are now able to relocate to areas where there is much more affordable housing, where zero lots are a non-issue, and where their kids, and pets may have some room to romp and play. (Good trouble)
That is why many landlords in New York, and Los Angeles for example, are now offering incentives for persons and businesses to stay, because there is an ongoing, unprecedented flight from the big cities to more rural areas, where prices are much lower, and persons have more room for outdoor activities, and gardening. (Good trouble)
Another benefit that has accrued as a direct result of pandemic related changes is that there has been reduced transmission of flus and colds because of cramped office spaces where employees who were sick often came to work and infected others, because of close proximity and the use of common areas, bathrooms and amenities. (Good trouble)
Fuel costs to families and individuals have also seen significant decreases, and families that were once too busy to see each other, suddenly have more time to associate. Now that many parents have to work from home, and kids are doing virtual classes, they get to see and interact with each other more, which prior to the pandemic was difficult because of busy schedules. (Good trouble)
Another benefit of the changes that have accrued because of the pandemic is that people are realizing that what they formerly viewed as being important, and necessary, they can actually do without, and as a result great changes in spending and prioritization have been taking place. (Good trouble)
The movies, the stadium games, the cruises, the clubbing, and the myriad of other entertainments which consumed valuable time and energy, are now being reassessed as folks evaluate what is necessary and important, and what is not. (Good trouble)
By the way, the extra time that some now have on their hands, because of the pandemic, could wisely be spent reading and studying their Bibles, and not seeking to engage in more time-consuming video games that are being peddled as another distraction by the enemy of souls. (Good trouble)
Also, with the permanent closure of over 110,000 restaurants across America, persons are realizing that they can cook their own food, and because of this, some are becoming quite creative in cooking and baking, whereas formerly, dining out was the order of the day. (Good trouble)
Thus, when the effects of the current pandemic are evaluated, there is much good that has resulted for many, while for others, adversity has set in. But, in any situation we may have found ourselves, there is and will continue to be much good which comes out of trouble, especially for those who trust in God, for all things work together, as a cumulative whole, for the good of those who love God.
When Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit, they set into motion, the knowledge of good and evil for the human family, and because God’s justice is ever tempered with mercy in most cases, the mixture of good and trouble has been the lot of humanity.
When, because of continued sinning and rebellion, The Lord had to destroy the antediluvians by a flood it was good trouble that ensued. Yes, it is true that many lost their lives because of the choices they made, but much good was accomplished by the deluge.
For instance, massive trees were buried deep in the earth, which has resulted in the vast reserves of oil and coal in some countries. In addition, the waters of the flood which rose to over five miles in height, were moved to those parts of the earth where the freezing temperatures have mostly preserved about two thirds of the world’s fresh water supplies. (Good trouble)
Again, it was when David was being hunted like a wild beast by king Saul, that he wrote some of the most sublime psalms, such as the one which says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear”. And some of our favorite hymns were written by folks who were hedged in with serious difficulties such as blindness and physical disability. (Good trouble)
Therefore, as we head into unchartered waters, and as the history of earth winds down to a close, it is encouraging to know that through it all, there will be bright spots, and encouraging signs, experiences, and promises that will brighten our pathway as we stand on the brink of eternity.
What is actually taking place is a wake-up call from God alerting the inhabitants of earth to the urgency of the moment for there are brewing on the horizon issues that will determine the eternal destiny of the entire human race, and as such, we are being given time and space to reflect, consider and repent, if we are thus disposed.
The scriptures teach us that there will be a time of trouble such as never was, since there was a nation, but the same passage also states that at that time Michael shall stand up, The great Prince, for the deliverance of His people. Thus, even though it will be very intense for all the inhabitants of earth, yet it will be a time of “Good trouble”. Let’s read:
Daniel 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
God desires that His people would dwell on those positives that will accrue during that time, instead of focusing on all the turmoil that will characterize those days. In other words, we should be looking up instead of looking down.
We should be energized by the promises which God has given specifically for these times, and we should trust Jesus, that He will do only that which is in the best interest of all who would serve and obey Him. Yes, it will be a time of great trouble, but it will also be a time of very great good. Let’s read:
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws nigh.
Isaiah 21:11 The burden of Dumah. He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?
12 The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night.
Jeremiah 30:4 And these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah.
5 For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.
6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?
7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.
Therefore, in order for us to understand better, why the time of trouble spoken of by the prophet Daniel will be a time of good trouble, we must observe the various experiences of Jacob, as he passed through his own time of trouble. We will highlight the good as well as the trouble, for both are for the best good of God’s people.
[1] God will increase the retinue of holy angels who will be protecting the saints.
Genesis 32:1 And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him.
2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God's host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.
These angels were sent for a valid reason, because Jacob and his family would need extra protection as they took the final leg of their journey back home. They would be exposed to marauders, and bandits, as well as the possibility of encountering Esau, who had previously vowed revenge upon Jacob.
Thus, before any such encounter could possibly take place, God sent a retinue of holy angels to guard His people as they traveled. The same God of Jacob will be repeating what He did back then, because God is not going to stand back and permit devils, and evil men to sabotage the righteous on the final stretch of their journey.
Therefore, as the time approaches for our own time of trouble God would increase the amount of angels who will be guarding His people from those who are bent on their destruction. None will be able to get pass the angels who excel in strength, for in Jacob’s experience, not once did he have to fight against any adversaries. Let’s read:
[Early Writings pp 271] My attention was then turned to the company I had seen, who were mightily shaken. I was shown those whom I had before seen weeping and praying in agony of spirit. The company of guardian angels around them had been doubled, and they were clothed with an armor from their head to their feet. (Good trouble)
[2] Men, urged on by demons will still try to attempt destroying the righteous, but those attempts will signally fail.
Genesis 32:6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, We came to thy brother Esau, and also he cometh to meet thee, and four hundred men with him.
7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.
[3] The greatest threat will come from family members and former brethren.
It’s quite interesting to note that the greatest threat to Jacob came not from strangers, but from his own family, namely Esau his brother. Similarly, the true people of God will discover that the greatest threat to themselves during the time of trouble will arise, not from without, but from within.
There are church members, and family members who, will turn against their former brethren when the going gets rough, and they will be used by devils as the most effective agents against them. This is an unfortunate aspect of the time of trouble, because it would be difficult to see former brethren, helping out satan in his nefarious work. Let’s read:
Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
[The Great Controversy pp 608] As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel's message but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position, and join the ranks of the opposition. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth, employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former brethren.
When Sabbath-keepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.
[4] It will be a time of earnest prayer.
Genesis 32:9 And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:
10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
11 Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he come and smite me, and the mother with the children.
Previously the saints have prayed for protection, and there are times when we acknowledged God’s intervention in our behalf. But at the same time, we had various security measures in place, such as ADT, cameras, and in some cases weapons. But now, the saints will find themselves wholly unable to meet the imminent threat.
We will have to let go of all hands except the hand of Christ and pray like we never prayed before, for His omnipotence to guard us from the enemy. This season of prayer would escalate with the unfolding emergencies, and will lead the remnant to pray in earnest, whereas in former years, prayers have at times been methodical, rather than from the heart.
[5] Earnest, well-directed efforts should be made to make all wrongs right in lieu of the time of trouble.
This includes efforts to relinquish all debt, as much as is possible and to try to mitigate any outstanding issues between our fellowmen, that have not been resolved. The burden of anxiety would be increased tenfold if we never tried to right those wrongs that occurred in the temporal realm. Let’s read:
Genesis 32:13 And he lodged there that same night; and took of that which came to his hand a present for Esau his brother;
14 Two hundred she goats, and twenty he goats, two hundred ewes, and twenty rams,
15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty kine, and ten bulls, twenty she asses, and ten foals.
17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh thee, saying, Whose art thou? and whither goest thou? and whose are these before thee?
18 Then thou shalt say, They be thy servant Jacob's; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau: and, behold, also he is behind us.
19 And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying, On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when ye find him.
20 And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob is behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.
[The Great Controversy pp 616] On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau's approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger.
His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience.
[6] The wrestling is not with man, but with God. The time of trouble for the saints, is actually a very close encounter with God, not with man.
Genesis 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
25 And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.
26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.
27 And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.
28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Throughout Jacob’s experience, during his time of trouble, he went through highs and lows, fear and remorse, he was encouraged and he prayed like he had never prayed before, he was victorious, and he experienced gratitude, but through it all, he came forth a conqueror, so that the final assessment is that it was good trouble.
The heat of the furnace is never meant to destroy, but to purify, for God will keep none in the furnace of affliction any longer than is absolutely necessary for the dross and earthliness to be consumed. Thus, whenever those finishing touches would have been completed, the season of distress will also come to an end.
And thus, the good trouble that will be coming our way in the not too distant future should always be understood in the context of it being a necessary experience, so that the image of God in us might be reflected radiantly, in those who will be saved. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which is meant to clarify the issue of “Good trouble”. Let’s read:
Malachi 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appears? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:
and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
God bless!