‘It Is Not Permanent’
How many times have we asked God the question, ‘Why?’ Why can’t I seem to prosper? Why is everyone else being blessed except me? Why do I have to struggle so much, whilst everyone else appear to have it so easy? Why is everything against me? Contained in Scripture are a compilation of stories that are not always jubilant, favourable or pleasant. Some stories, such as that of Ruth and Naomi and the ‘Widow of Nain’, flow from a heart of deep sorrow. Woman of God, as the tears run down your face, this Word is for you. Man of God, as you sit there not knowing what next to do, this Word is for you.
Both stories commences with the words, ‘Now it came to pass’. This is a very significant phrase and occurs quite frequently in Scripture; approximately 396 times in the Old Testament and 65 times in the New Testament. It makes us aware of pain, but something major was about to take place. Sorrow was not the conclusion of the matter; a supernaturally spectacular event was about to unfold.
When we read or hear stories such as these, we are often left in suspense, wondering what was going to occur next. We ask the question, ‘how much more can this person take’? We demand a solution, an intervention, justice, anything to help stop this unimaginable suffering. Then, in the midst of this dreadful story we read: ‘Now it came to pass’. Finally, the scene is about to shift; finally, justice is about to prevail; finally, the opportune time has arrived for God to turn the situation around; Finally, Jesus shows up, and though the man Lazarus had been dead for now four days, Jesus speaks a Word and everything changes. (John 11:25) Saints of God, let us remind ourselves of what the Scripture text actually says: ‘Now, it Came to Pass’. The Scripture does not say, ‘Now it Came to Stay’. Which means, your situation is not permanent, therefore, this too will pass. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)
