The Hand of God
“Resting in the invisible hand of God when the world feels unjust.”
This morning’s reflection from Abide Above centers on how we respond to suffering, especially when it's undeserved. The writer draws our attention to Peter’s words—how God finds it pleasing when we endure injustice for His sake. But the deeper insight is this: when we try to respond rightly by our own strength, our reaction—even if it appears noble—only produces self-righteousness. It’s not Christ being seen, but self polishing itself up.
True spiritual endurance, the kind that pleases God, only flows when the Holy Spirit holds the self-life inoperative through the finished work of the Cross. It is not our trying to respond well—it’s Christ responding through us.
A.M.'s quote urges us to interpret every trial as permitted by the loving hand of the Father. Before we look at the person or the injustice, we must first be still and acknowledge that God has allowed it—not to harm us, but to see whether Christ will be glorified in us. That inward turning to God brings rest. It quiets the need for instant vindication. When our eyes turn from the visible to the Invisible, we begin to live in the eternal.
Just as Christ entrusted Himself to the One who judges righteously, we too can surrender all—our reputation, our rights, our longing for justice—into God's keeping. And in that surrender, we find peace that cannot be manufactured through effort. It is the peace of Christ Himself, living in us.
Journal Entry – In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I have drawn you into this moment not to expose the injustice done to you, but to reveal My Son within you. This is grace—to suffer and yet endure patiently, not because you must, but because Christ is your life.
Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening. Instead, rejoice that you share in Christ’s sufferings, that His glory may be revealed in you. I have granted you not only to believe in Him but also to suffer for His sake.
Let Me renew your mind now: you are not a victim of circumstance. You are hidden with Christ in God. I use what others mean for harm to conform you to the image of My Son. You do not need to repay evil for evil or insult for insult. Entrust yourself to Me, the One who judges justly.
The world may overlook you. Your name may be slandered. Your intentions misunderstood. But I see all. I am the One who lifts your head. When you are reviled, do not retaliate. When you suffer, do not threaten. Simply entrust yourself to Me—and I will keep you in perfect peace.
You are being built into a spiritual house, a living testimony to My grace. I have not asked you to defend yourself, but to display the life of Christ. His gentleness, His patience, His unwavering confidence in the Father's care—these are now yours. You are not your own. You have been bought with a price.
So let Christ live. Let Him respond. Let Him endure. Let Him love. And as you do, I will be glorified, and you will rest.
(1 Peter 4:12–13, Philippians 1:29, Colossians 3:3, Romans 8:29, 1 Peter 3:9, 1 Peter 2:23, Isaiah 26:3, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20)
Prayer – In My Voice
Father, I rest in the truth that nothing touches me without Your loving permission. I no longer need to analyze who was right or wrong, or replay the injustice in my mind. I trust You to judge righteously. I trust You to glorify Christ through me. I trust You with my name, my peace, my outcomes.
You are always enough, even in silence. Even in the shadows of misunderstanding. I thank You for exchanging my craving for vindication with Christ’s restfulness. May the world see less of me and more of Him. May they see a life that doesn’t just endure—but radiates Jesus.
Devotional Credit: This post is inspired by the March 26 devotional from Abide Above.
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ideal Image: A photo of a person standing calmly in the middle of a crowded street or public square while everyone else is moving around them.