The Erie County Correctional Facility recently experienced a role reversal in guard-inmate relations. It took place when an inmate broke up a fight between two correctional officers who were fighting over a bag of potato chips!

For many years, storytellers and audiences have enjoyed stories that include reversals—tales that follow characters from one extreme to the other. The Bible is replete with reversal themes. In Psalm 107, the writer narrated the plight of four groups of people who experienced unfortunate circumstances. Some wandered in desert wastelands, hungry and thirsty as their life ebbed away (Psalm 107:4-9). Others sat in the darkness and deepest gloom, suffering as prisoners in iron chains (Psalm 107:10-16). Many more, through their disobedience, suffered from illnesses (Psalm 107:17-22). Others lost their courage as their ships were tossed about at sea (Psalm 107:23-32).

In each vignette, the people cried out to the Lord. And in each account, their circumstances were unexpectedly reversed through the providence and intervention of God: He led the desert wanderers to a city, liberated the prisoners, healed the diseases of the afflicted, and brought the storm-tossed sailors to a calm and safe haven. The response to this divine reversal by the individuals was trust, thanksgiving, and testifying about the mighty deeds of God.

Sometimes life paints a picture of seemingly unconquerable and irreversible threats. But as people of God, we can trust in the mystery of God’s loving care and governance that He exercises over the created universe and His people. We can rest in the fact that every event occurs as part of God’s perfect plan and that He can reverse unfortunate circumstances and injustice in this world.

Be prepared for His unexpected ways!

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 10:1-27