This life has a way of shadowing what is real with a veneer that wears off and reveals the truth that it once glossed over and hid. Many times, people, situations and circumstances are revealed to be completely different than what they seemed to be. This creates a challenge for men to be engaged with everyone and everything around them to a degree that discernment can be achieved (Malachi 3:18; Proverbs 3:21). Faith is to be active and growing as Gods people navigate the storms of life that darken the brightness of it (2 Cointhians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6). A rigid resolve to trust in His promises is the “stuff” that saints are made of (Hebrews 13:5-6; Daniel 316-18). The Bible is full of examples where God took impossible situations and completely reversed them or removed the problem. Things aren’t always as they seem.

1. Consider Abraham. In Genesis 20:1-18, Abraham looked at a city and its King and thought, “Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake” (vs.11). This was the response to Abimelech who said in verse 9, “Thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done.” Abraham didn’t trust God in this episode and King Abimelech was more righteous than the “father of the faithful” (Romans 4:16) and the “friend of God” (James 2:23). Things aren’t always as they seem.
2. Consider Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery and later imprisoned after being falsely accused (Genesis 37-39). No one would ever think that life could get much better or worse with the cards that Joseph had been dealt. Yet, God took him out of the dungeon of doom and promoted him to be the second in command of Egypt (Genesis 41) and used him to save his family from starvation (Genesis 42-50). Things aren’t always as they seem.
3. Consider Hezekiah. The great King Hezekiah and Jerusalem was all but destroyed. The Assyrian army under the direction of Sennacherib had surrounded the city after sending word that they were going to besiege it. Their reputation was one of brutality and they earned it by unmercifully conquering their foes. But God flipped the script in one night as He dispatched one angel who destroyed the entire camp of the invading Assyrians. This account can be read in Isaiah 37 and 2 Kings 19. Things aren’t always as they seem.
4. Consider the “rich man and Lazarus.” In Luke 16 is found an account where a destitute, sore laden beggar was confined to sickness and starvation and found no solace at the gate of a “rich man.” This man Lazarus didn’t ask for much, and the rich man gave him nothing. The poor beggar died and was carried by angels into a place of rest and satisfaction, joy and bliss. The world saw a beggar and God saw a saint.  The rich man died and was buried, but in Hell he lifts up his eyes (Luke 16:22-23). The text says nothing about the funeral of Lazarus, because there wasn’t one. Lazarus’ frail remains were likely dumped outside the city with the rest of the refuse and garbage. But the rich man, no doubt had an elaborate funeral where all the important people lamented how wonderful and successful he was. They most likely spoke of how he was in Heaven and at peace from any pain or distress from this life. Things aren’t always as they seem (Luke 16:23-25).
5. Consider Jesus. Jesus is an excellent example of the topic of this article today. There are too many things about His life and death to expound on in this installment. Use your own time to roll these thoughts over in your mind and add examples you find of the things we will leave unwritten at this time.
6. Jesus was born in a cave, wrapped in rags, and laid in a feeding trough (Luke 2:1-7). Yet, a King in rags is still a King. A manger is still a “King size” bed.
7. The world saw Jesus as the “carpenters’ son” (Matthew 13:55-56). God saw Jesus as “My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
8. The world saw Jesus as a glutton, winebibber, and friend of sinners (Matthew 11:19). God saw Jesus as the spotless Lamb and the only hope of sinners (1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 13:8; Acts 4:12).
9. The world saw in Jesus something worth Him dying for (Luke 23:21). God saw in Jesus someone worth living for (Luke 9:23).

This writer hopes that this little bit of information will help you on your journey to eternity. Who we are is not defined by our circumstances, but by our connection to Him. Never forget, “All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). Nothing is too hard for the Lord (Jeremiah 32:27). Things aren’t always as they seem.