“I have told you these
things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have
trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will
receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love
him.” James 1:12
“In this you greatly
rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer
grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith, of
greater worth than gold, which perished even though refined by fire –
may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when
Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7
I have heard people say that nothing
comes to us that doesn’t first pass through God’s hands. If he
causes it or allows it there is purpose in it. What purpose?
- To help us focus/refocus on him
To teach us something about him,
ourselves, our purpose- To remind us that we are dependent on him
- To bring glory to himself
- To be a witness to others by the way we handle adversity
Can you think of others?
Sometimes we suffer because of our own
bad choices. Sometimes it is because of the bad choices or reckless
behavior of others. And sometimes it is simply because we live in a
world made imperfect because of sin. Life can be difficult, and it is
not always fair from a human perspective, but we can always be
assured of this: that God works everything for good to those called
by him. That means us.
We sometimes make a mistake and think
that all suffering is caused by sin. While that is true in a broad
sense, not every adversity that we face is caused by sin. Also, the
emotions that come with suffering and adversity are not sinful. God
made us as emotional beings to laugh, cry, be confused, frustrated,
disappointed, excited, etc. Remember the verse that says, “In your
anger do not sin,”? The feelings are not sinful, but the actions
that come from them certainly can be.
If you are facing adversity in some
area of your life right now ask God to help you not to sin because of
your emotions. Thank him that even though you are discouraged,
sad, disappointed, angry…he is still God and still in
control. There is great freedom in knowing that our emotions can
never derail God or his plan. He is the anchor that holds us in place
even as it allows us to be human.
Even if you don’t feel like it,
praise him for the opportunity he has given you, and for the
assurance that he will never leave you. Sometimes adversity is part
of God’s plan for us for reasons we may never know. Trust him to
make something beautiful out of your difficult situation. Ask him to
help your own actions reflect your faith and trust in a God who never
makes mistakes.
Pray for others who are going through
adversity and who are suffering, and let them know you are doing it.
You don’t need the details. God knows them. We all need to be
reminded that even in our darkest times we are not alone.
“Weeping may remain for
a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b
I am praying for you today.
Sherri
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