The First Cause
Even when the box is battered, the contents remain secure—just like God's purpose in every trial.
Devotional Credit: Abide Above
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Nothing that touches the life of a yielded believer escapes the sovereign reach of God’s love. Today’s reflection from Abide Above presses the glorious truth that for those abiding in Christ, there are no second causes. Though the pain of injustice, betrayal, or affliction may come through human hands—or even from the schemes of the enemy—those events, by the time they reach a surrendered heart, are folded into the will of God. Not because the sin was authored by God, but because He permitted it and will redeem it for His purpose: to conform us into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).
The writers remind us that God does not waste wrath, injustice, or sorrow. Even the failures and opposition of others serve His purposes when filtered through His wise and loving hands. To the one who abides, no suffering is random, no circumstance is outside the care of the Father.
This is not passive resignation but active confidence. Psalm 37 assures us that the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord—and even if he stumbles, he will not be cast down. God's grip is firm. Our trials are not puzzles to be solved but invitations to behold Christ more clearly. Sadly, we often miss the deeper view of Jesus by becoming entangled in the drama of circumstances. But every hardship is an opportunity to lift our eyes and rest in the Father’s eternal hand.
Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I have ordered your steps. Before your days began, I saw every bend in your path. No word spoken against you, no wound inflicted upon you, no disappointment permitted to reach you has escaped My hand. I am not the author of evil, but I am the Redeemer of every moment.
That unjust word spoken to you? That betrayal? I did not inspire the act—but I allowed it to pass through the veil of My sovereignty because I knew what it would form in you. I am using even that to awaken something deeper in your spirit. I am drawing your attention not to the pain but to the Person—My Son, in whom you abide and through whom you are being conformed.
Lift your gaze, beloved. Do not be so entangled by what they did or didn’t do that you miss what I am doing. My purposes are not thwarted by man. Even the wrath of the wicked shall serve Me, and all things—even this—are for your sake, so that grace may overflow and glory may abound.
You will not be cast down. I uphold you with My own hand. I know your limits, and I will never permit a burden that I have not already equipped you to bear with My grace. Every circumstance, even this one, has been permitted for your transformation, and it will be worth it—because I am worth it.
Scripture References: Psalm 37:23–24, Romans 8:28–29, 2 Corinthians 4:15, Psalm 76:10, 1 Corinthians 10:13
Real-Life Analogy
It’s like receiving a package that arrived torn and battered from its journey. The shipper may have mishandled it, the box may have been kicked or dropped—but the contents inside remain intact because they were wrapped carefully by the sender. You don’t blame the courier. You open the box and discover that the gift inside was still exactly what you needed. That’s what My sovereignty does. It ensures that no matter how life delivers its blows, what I have ordained for you arrives just as I intended.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I rest in Your unshakable sovereignty. Thank You that there are no second causes in my life. What others may mean for harm, You permit for good. You have already wrapped each circumstance in Your grace. Even when I don’t understand the why, I trust the Who. You are my Source, my Guide, my Upholder. And in Your hands, nothing is wasted. I delight in the path You have laid before me, because it is Yours—and so am I.