Ezekiel 39:25-29. God is getting ready to restore Israel's fortunes. After he brings them back from their exile, they shall forget their shame and all of their treachery. They shall dwell securely in their land with none to make them afraid. They shall know that God is their God because he sent them into exile when they were unrepentantly wicked and then gathered them back when the time was right. He will leave none of them scattered among the nations anymore. He will no longer hide his face from them, and he will pour his Spirit upon them.

Nothing happens without God's permission. The awfulness of the fall of Jerusalem and the suffering of his people while in exile we're not desired by God, but they were permitted by him. He warned his people over and over through his prophets, but they would not listen, and they were harming so many others, even their children, with their evil ways. So he permitted their fall and their exile, but not forever.

Now he will exercise his perfect will and bring them back home, restoring their fortunes and keeping them safe. Thus they will learn that he is their God. They will understand his power and his love.

Everything, even our greatest suffering, happens for a reason and is part of his plan. We must trust him and his love for us, even when we are suffering "the grace of immolation." (The Surrender Novena, Day 9).