February 19

Better Farther On

This is what the LORD says: “Though they are allied and numerous, yet they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, O Judah, I will afflict you no longer. — Nah 1:12 BSB

There is a limit to affliction. God sends it, and God removes it. Do you sigh and wonder, “When will this end?” Remember that our sorrows will surely and finally end when this brief earthly life is over. Let us quietly wait and patiently endure the Lord’s will until He comes.

Meanwhile, our Father in heaven removes the rod when His purpose in using it has been accomplished. When He has driven out our folly, there will be no more blows. Or, if the affliction is sent to test us, so that our faith might glorify God, it will end when the Lord has made us fully bear witness to His praise. We would not wish the affliction to depart until God has received all the honor we can possibly give Him.

Today, there may be “a great calm.” Who knows how soon the raging waves will turn into a sea of glass, with sea birds resting on the gentle swells? After long tribulation, the threshing is done, and the wheat is safely gathered into the barn. Before many hours have passed, we may be as happy as we are now sorrowful. It is not difficult for the Lord to turn night into day. The One who sends the clouds can just as easily clear the skies. Let us be encouraged. Better days are ahead. Let us sing hallelujah in anticipation.