If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on the GreenePastures.org blog-Pics and all!
Ezekiel
I’ve been reading the Book of Ezekiel this week, and because suffering has been such a topic in my Bible study class, I zoned in on one of Ezekiel’s trials.
In Ezekiel 24, the story of suffering reminds us that in our moments of pain, we should strive to pray for God’s deeper purposes to be revealed. Otherwise, we will drive ourselves crazy trying to figure it all out.
Ezekiel’s wife was suddenly taken from him by God, even though he cherished her deeply. Despite his loss, God instructed him not to mourn for her openly. This might seem puzzling, but it serves as an example of what God expected from Israel.
Death of Ezekiel’s Wife Is a Sign
And the word of the Lord came to me saying, “Son of man, behold, I am about to take from you the desire of your eyes with a blow; but you shall not mourn and you shall not weep, and your tears shall not come. Groan silently; make no mourning for the dead. Bind on your turban and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your mustache and do not eat the bread of men.” So I spoke to the people in the morning, and in the evening my wife died. And in the morning I did as I was commanded (Ezekiel 24: 15-18).
The people were to face destruction and loss due to their sins, just as Ezekiel did, but they were not permitted to mourn openly. To clarify, Ezekiel’s suffering was not the result of any sin or wrongdoings. He was meant to show the people how to respond to their hardships.
God’s Deeper Purpose
Sometimes, God allows things to happen to us for a purpose, even if it’s difficult to accept. He often wants us to use those experiences for His purpose: to help others who are going through similar struggles.
I can relate to this on a smaller scale. For instance, during our home walk-through in 2021, the morning before we were scheduled to purchase a new home, I fell down fourteen wooden stairs headfirst! While in and out of consciousness, lying at the bottom of the stairs, I started declaring aloud over and over again, “God let this happen so I can help someone else who falls down the stairs.” The realtor must have thought I was a basket case. I haven’t helped anyone in the same situation yet, but I genuinely wanted to find God’s deeper purpose amid my scary time. It’s funny how the mind works!
Seek Him
God knows our situation and/or circumstance, and we should seek to understand His purposes. Life happens, and God desires us to trust Him in everything. And yes, I know it can be hard.
Praying, meditating on His Word, and fellowshipping with others are some of the activities that can help us find peace and move on.
Ezekiel’s experience reinforces my belief that in times of suffering, we should strive to pray for God’s deeper purposes to be revealed to us—no matter how long it takes!
I’m working on it! How about you?
Feel free to share this reflection with others. May it encourage hearts and remind us that we’re never alone on this path.
God Bless,
Prayer
My heavenly Father, I love you. I know You are always looking out for me. However, there are some things I can’t get over, but I want to. Help me, Lord, to daily have the confidence to trust You for everything. You are the only one who can help me to understand my former and present trials, thoughts, hopes, and dreams. From this day forth, let me consider Your DEEPER PURPOSES for my life and not my own. Thank you for reminding me that You will give me an understanding of Your purpose(s) in my life. I will keep praying.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Bible Verse
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
Trial of Ezekiel. Bible Study Resources. 30 Oct 2020. Accessed 27 Sept 2024. https://biblestudyresources.org/trial-of-ezekiel/