The importance of meanwhile has long-term implications in our lives. The word refers to either a period of time between two events, or something happening during a particular event. It has huge consequences for it means God is always working on our behalf.

The Creator

God created all things and because of His will they were created, Revelation 4:11. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together, Colossians 1:17.  He is both the Creator and great Sustainer.

Yet, it is more than just creating something and holding it together. It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure, Philippians 2:13.

God is always orchestrating events for our ultimate benefit. We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:23. God will accomplish what He says He will, Isaiah 55:11.

All Knowing

God is all-knowing, or omniscient. He knows the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:10, so nothing surprises Him. This accounts for His foreknowledge and our predestination, Romans 8:30. God knows what we will end up like, before we are even conceived. Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. And before you were born I consecrated you, Jeremiah 1:5.

God knew what we would do with our free will. Whether we would choose to honour or reject His right to ownership of His people, 1 Peter 2:9. Just as any parent has the right to call offspring their own child, does not negate the right of that child to free will.

Meanwhile

The importance of the word meanwhile, means that God is always working on our behalf, even when we are not aware of anything happening. He is the great Sower who carefully prepares the ground making it ready to receive the seed, His Word, Luke 8:11.

God then watches over the seed as it grows and matures fruitfulness. You did not choose Me but I chose you and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, John 15:16.

God prepared and called Abraham from an idol worshipping nation when no one else even knew God. He knew how Abraham would become the father of faith, Galatians 3:6. God prepared Mary for He knew how willing Mary would be to receive the Word and bear the Saviour of the world, Luke 1:31. He chose you.

Unseen

When we find ourselves in difficult situations it seems that we are helpless with no way out. Yet, God is always at work. Joseph’s jealous brothers sold him into slavery, Genesis 37. So began a long sad and sorry tale. However, the Lord was with Joseph and he became a successful man, Genesis 39:20.

However, disaster followed success and Joseph was wrongfully imprisoned. Again, it seemed like the end of the road. The Lord was still with Joseph and once again he became successful. Eventually Joseph was used to save the very ones who had wronged him, his brothers, Genesis 42. What Satan designed for evil, God meant it for good, Genesis 50:20.

Fiery Trials

Some people believe that once they accept Christ as their Saviour life will easy. Like Joseph, they find out that is not the case. Instead, it seems they go through one fiery trial after another.

Joseph was tested over and over again, yet at the end he came out stronger. It takes the pressures of life to strengthen and mature the saints of God. Diamonds are only produced by putting carbon under extreme pressure in the depths of the earth. Those who overcome are God’s treasure on earth. Pearls of such a great price we cannot comprehend it.

When we submit everything to Him, He will accomplish that which He desires. Joseph became a lifeline for his family, despite the agonies of Joseph’s journey. Joseph did not hold the brother’s actions against them but showed them only love.

Cup of Agony

God so loved the world He sent His only Son into the world that was drowning in sin. Jesus had a free will, just as we do. He did not sidestep the cup of agony that was Calvary, Matthew 26:39, for He was determined to do the will of the Father.

Mankind looking on at the scene of Calvary would say that Calvary was a total failure. Meanwhile the greatest victory of all time was happening.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are free to accept God’s wonderful gift of eternal life, John 3:16. Christ endured the humiliation and agony of the cross, for the glory set before Him, Hebrews 12:2,3.

Faith

It takes faith to be an overcomer and trust that God knows what He is doing, despite the difficulties we go through. The end result far outweighs the pain and hurt of fiery trials. We may not know the reason for the trials this side of heaven.

It makes no sense at all when we are in the fire. It takes, faith, patience and obedience to not scream out ‘God why?’ However, when we trust in the great I Am That I Am, Exodus 3:14, He will bring us through the other side stronger than before.

We do not go through the fiery trials alone. When you pass through the water I will be with you. And through the rivers, they will not overflow. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you, Isaiah 43:2.

Character

God operates in perfect wisdom and justice, divine providence and sovereignty. He cannot operate outside Himself and who He. Past, present and future are one to Him for He alone knows the truth and every cause and effect before they happen.

As humans we are limited in our understanding. We only see the present and know the past. God knows all.

He knows our journey and our thoughts, even before we express them, Psalm 139:4. For My thoughts are not your thoughts. Nor are your ways My ways, declares the Lod. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways higher than you ways. And My thoughts than your thoughts, Isaiah 55:9.

Eternal Perspective

God sees the full picture of time and eternity, for with God all is ‘now’. This is difficult for finite man to comprehend.

God has a plan that was formed in eternity. Jesus is the Lamb slain from before the foundation of the world, Revelation 13:8. God knew what Adam would do before He formed him from the dust of the earth. He knew what sin would do to mankind, but He made the way out, John 14:6.

Importance of Meanwhile

Satan is out to destroy anything that belongs to God. Meanwhile God uses that evil to bring about a good result.

Overcomers will sing the praises of God for all eternity. It is His mercy and grace that brings us through. Therefore, do not despair no matter what difficulties you may face. God has a good purpose if you will only trust to His promises. The importance of meanwhile should never be underestimated. God is always on your side and working on your behalf.

Photo Source

Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a freelance writer who enjoys researching a topic and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God.

Check out our other posts at Whispering Encouragement. We are here to inform and encourage. Subscribe for free so you can keep up to date with topics that interest you

.________________________Whispering Encouragement_______________________