"Have you entered the storehouses . . . which I reserve for
times of trouble?" (Job 38:22–23, NIV)
What? Nobody ever told me that these storehouses even existed!
I've heard of showers of blessings, but I've never heard about
these storehouses reserved for times of trouble. And notice, it's not just one storehouse;
there are many. This means that any and
every trial of suffering we will face is already answered abundantly by the
Lord's provisions -- even now set out for pick up at the will-call desk, with
our name written on the ticket. The name of Jesus is there also; right where it
says, "Paid in Full!"
Perhaps nobody understood this any better than the Apostle Paul. Writing from a darkened Roman prison cell on Death Row, Paul encouraged the Philippians with these enduring words -- which have brought comfort to millions of saints through the ages -- "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil.4:19).
This was not a theory Paul mused over; no! It was an unshakable
conviction backed up with much evidence. "My grace is sufficient;"
Jesus said to him, "for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Because
of this singular, life-altering truth, Paul could say, “So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that
the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses
and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for
Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2Co 12:9,10).
These storehouses which God has reserved for times of trouble are
filled with His grace. "God is able to make all grace abound to you so
that you -- in all things, at all times, having all that you need -- may abound
unto every good work." This is what it means to have your needs met in an
over-flowing of abundance!
This is precisely why we are invited into the Throne Room of God
Almighty. "Let us come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain
mercy and find grace to help in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:19).
We see our troubles, trials and tribulations as great obstacles;
things that thwart our plans and disrupt our lives. We cry, because we are in
pain. We pray, because we are in great need. We despair, because we are
undergoing great suffering. We panic, because there seems to be no answer from
heaven.
Instead of seeing your trial as an
obstacle, see it instead as an opportunity. The Bible says that God will
"transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope" (Hosea 2:15,
NLT)
"If we would look at our past, most of us would realize that
the times we endured the greatest stress and felt that every path was blocked
were the very times our heavenly Father chose to do the kindest things for us
and bestow His richest blessings." (A.B.Simpson)
So, friend; check your mail. You just might find a personal invitation from Jesus HImself to visit with full access HIs Storehouses of Treasure, which He has reserved for times of trouble -- including yours!
