There is no difference whatever between the circumstances of the unsaved and my circumstances, if that is all there is to consider. The difference is not outward, but inward, for the disciple of Jesus Christ has what the world can never offer—hope. Paul says, “We are saved by hope” (Romans 8:24, KJV), which means we expect a better outcome to our sufferings and circumstances than the unsaved man does. Apart from that godly expectation that God will bring us through to comfort, safety, and victory, we would be just as miserable as the worldling.
God said to Israel, “I will … bring [you] into the wilderness, and speak kindly [tenderly] to [you] … and [make] the valley of Achor [sorrow] as a door of hope” (Hosea 2:14–15). Sooner or later I will find myself in the valley of Achor; it is one of God’s favorite stopping places for His children. But when I find myself in that valley, I must cling to hope, not lapse into despair, for the valley itself is the beginning of a new, exhilarating relationship with God, a relationship so rich in meaning that it is like a marriage (v. 16). God purposely leads me into sorrow and distress in order to bring my hope into a mature, healthy condition, for without a strong hope I will never enjoy the consummation of my salvation (Romans 5:4).
What a marvelous God! Sometimes His ways are bitter, but they are always right. He treats me as a dearly loved person for whose well-being He would change everything but His nature. He will lead me into the valley of Achor for His name’s sake, but for His love’s sake He will turn it into a door of hope. Are my clouds black today? Then it is time for God to take over, and soon I will discover how much He loves me—enough to move mountains and let me pass through! Think of that!
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8.18).
Daily with the King 