Scripture reading: Psalm 40:1–3

 The Purpose of Pits

And they took Joseph and cast him into a pit. (Genesis 37:24)

Pits pose a problem for people who ponder. Is my pit a punishment for poor performance? Is this painful place perhaps the product of a pathological past? Will pits persist perpetually? Are people predestined to be put in pits? Yes, pits are profoundly puzzling. Perhaps persons perusing this paragraph are presently passing through some painful and perplexing predicament. Do pits have a purpose?

Pits are part of providence. This is the primary point I am passionate to promote. Put precisely, pits are part of God’s plan for people. Don’t be paralyzed by pointlessly pondering whether he personally puts people in pits or perhaps permits them to be put in such a predicament. Probing such problems only produces perplexity and prohibits progress. Permit me to point to a more positive path: Pits are places pregnant with a plethora of possibilities. When you perceive yourself in a pit, ponder these principles. Pits have the power to:

,.  Puncture pride.

,. Prove the power of prayer.

,. Put away petty perspectives.

,.  Produce perseverance.

,. Prompt praise.

,.  Practice patience.

,. Promote peace.

,. Protect purity.

,. Publish the power of God’s promises.

,. Prove providence.

Precisely! Pity the person who can’t perceive the positive potential in pits.

Perhaps you perceive my epistle as pointless prattle, improper piety, and proof of pastoral pathology. But please pause and ponder my purpose: to provoke and promote passion for divine providence. People who put up with my personal peculiarities may profit from the profound peace promised those who practice the presence of God . . . even in pits.

There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.

—Corrie Ten Boom

 point to ponder • the purpose of your pit, past or present.

prayer focus • For that person you know who is in a pit