"O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem ... And the Lord answered the angel ... with good and comforting words” (Zechariah 1:12-13)

What a welcome answer to the question! Many Jews had recently returned from a 70 year exile in Babylon. It was good to hear that God was ready to bless them again. The Lord limited Israel’s suffering to the least amount necessary for Her to learn Her lesson. “I am exceedingly angry with the nations at ease; For I was a little angry, And they helped — but with evil intent” (Zechariah 1:15). God is displeased with the people that chastened Her, and increased Her misery. 

 When God seems to abandon His Church, He counts the days when He can once again bless Her. “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives” (Hebrews 12:5-6). 

 When God strikes His Church, each blow is carefully measured for their good. This is also true for individual saints. Every Christian is precious and unique in His sight. You can be sure he knows exactly what you specifically need. “You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off ...Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it” (Psalms 139:2-6). So, “let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).