Turning to God during chaos brings peace, strength, and comfort, helping us navigate life's overwhelming challenges with faith.
In life, we all experience moments when peace seems to vanish, and we are faced with situations that disrupt our sense of calm and security. Whether it is a personal loss, financial troubles, illness, or unexpected hardships, these moments can feel overwhelming. It’s in these times that we often question, “Why is this happening to me?” The good news is, just because chaos comes doesn't mean that God has forgotten you or that your peace is forever gone. In fact, God often uses moments of disruption to prepare you for something greater. He has a way of transforming what seems like a setback into a stepping stone toward growth and advancement.
The Bible is full of stories where moments of havoc led to divine intervention and remarkable breakthroughs. One of the most striking examples can be found in Acts 8, where Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, began ravaging the early Christian church. At the time, the followers of Christ were living peacefully in Jerusalem, enjoying fellowship and spreading the gospel. However, when Saul came on the scene, his actions seemed to turn everything upside down. He entered homes, dragged men and women to prison, and caused untold disruption. But through this chaos, something incredible began to unfold—something that would change the world forever.
In Acts 8:3, we read, “But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison.” At first glance, this looks like a tragedy, a moment of tremendous pain for the early Christians. Yet, what we soon learn is that this very havoc was part of God's divine plan. This disruption pushed believers to scatter beyond Jerusalem, reaching new cities and regions where the message of Christ could be preached to people who had never heard it. Through this time of distress, God brought about a greater purpose—He used the storm to expand His kingdom.
Have you ever experienced a “Saul moment” in your life? Perhaps you’ve gone through a season where everything seemed to fall apart. Maybe it was a sudden change, a betrayal, or a time of hardship that left you feeling uncertain about your future. These experiences can feel like they come out of nowhere, just as Saul’s attack on the church seemed to appear without warning. However, in the midst of this chaos, God is still working. He has not forgotten you, and He has a purpose even in your pain.
It’s easy to lose faith when things are not going according to plan, but God promises that He is always with us, even when life feels like it is spiraling out of control. In times of trouble, we must remember that God is never caught off guard. He has a purpose for every disruption, and He will use it to bring about something greater. Whether it’s a job loss, a health issue, or relational struggles, God has the power to turn what the enemy intended for harm into something that will bring Him glory.
The apostle Paul himself is a perfect example of how God can use disruption for good. Saul, the very man who once persecuted Christians, was radically transformed on the road to Damascus. His encounter with Christ completely changed the course of his life, and he became one of the most influential leaders in the early church. God used the havoc Saul caused to spread the gospel to places it would not have gone otherwise. In the same way, God uses our trials and challenges to push us forward into new territories and greater blessings.
Sometimes, when things aren’t going the way we want, it’s easy to feel like we are being punished or abandoned. However, we must remember that trials and tribulations are part of the Christian journey. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:28 that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” This means that no matter how difficult the circumstances may be, God is working behind the scenes to bring about something good in your life. Even when havoc strikes, He is there, guiding you toward something greater.
In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to consider it pure joy when we face trials of various kinds, knowing that these trials produce perseverance. "But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." God uses the hardships we face to develop our character, to strengthen our faith, and to prepare us for the blessings that lie ahead. Just as the early Christians were scattered by the persecution they faced, they were ultimately spreading the gospel far and wide, impacting countless lives for the kingdom of God. What looked like an obstacle was, in fact, part of God's perfect plan.
In times of trouble, it’s essential to stay grounded in God’s Word. Psalm 34:17-18 tells us, “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” God is near to us when we are in pain. He hears our cries and is faithful to deliver us. When havoc comes, we can trust that He will use that situation to refine us, to teach us, and ultimately to bring about His will in our lives.
When life throws a curveball, remember that God is not surprised. He already has a plan in motion for your life. You may not see it at first, but just as the early church grew in strength and numbers despite the persecution they faced, you, too, will experience growth and promotion through your challenges. Trust that God is in control and that He will use every moment, good or bad, for His glory and for your benefit.
If you are going through a season where peace seems far away and you feel as if you are in the midst of a storm, take comfort in knowing that God is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Like the early Christians who were scattered, He will use the turmoil to propel you into something greater. You may not understand the “why” of your situation right now, but trust in God’s faithfulness. He is working behind the scenes, turning what seems like destruction into a powerful testimony of His grace and power.
In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Even when things are difficult, know that God is completing His work in you. Every trial is part of the process that will lead you to a place of greater strength and greater purpose.
It’s also crucial to stay connected to other believers during times of hardship. Just as Philip went to Samaria and began proclaiming Christ, finding a community of faith can be a great source of encouragement when everything seems to be falling apart. In times of turmoil, don’t isolate yourself. Instead, reach out to others who can pray with you and support you as you walk through your trial.
Through it all, remember that God is working for your good. Whatever you are facing today, trust that He has a purpose and a plan. When havoc comes, stay in faith, knowing that your breakthrough is on the other side of the storm. God will not leave you in your pain forever. Just as He brought the early church through its darkest hour, He will bring you through yours, and you will emerge stronger, wiser, and ready to step into the blessings He has prepared for you.
May you find peace in knowing that God is faithful, and that no matter what you face, He is with you. He has not abandoned you, and He is using every situation to bring about His divine purpose in your life.
PRAYER
Father God, thank You for Your Word that strengthens and encourages me in times of trouble. When havoc comes, I trust that You are with me and that You have a plan to use it for my good. I choose to stay in faith, knowing that You are working behind the scenes to bring about Your perfect will in my life. Help me to remain patient and steadfast, and to trust in Your perfect timing. In Jesus' name, Amen.
COMMENTS