“Suffering doesn’t always mean you’ve done something wrong. Sometimes it means you’ve done something right” – Dr. Tony Evans, Urban Alternative
I really really love this! When we are going through trials and tribulations it is so tempting from a human perspective to figure out the why? The what have I done wrong question is oftentimes not the right question when it comes to what God allows us to be taken through.
In whatever season you are in, whether it be job loss, loss of a family member or other loved one, illness or injury remember this…God loves you. You can say that is trite, that it is just some kind of comment meant to make people feel better, but what it really is, is the truth.
Some people wrongly think that if bad things are happening to them they must have done something bad.
I think the perfect example of this being untrue is the life of Job. Here was a man who had a heart for God, did all the prescribed things he was to do under the law (remember his story was before the cross, before grace) and yet he lost everything. He nearly lost his life.
Not because God did not love him mind you. But because God allowed Job to be tested…to show that Job’s faith would not fail. Now it wavered! It wavered mightily as he lost his family, his livelihood and his home. However, in the end, Job declared “the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Just as parents want the best for their children, so our heavenly father wants the best for us. And sometimes just like you have to let your children go through hard things to learn the lessons they need to learn or to be an example to others, so does God allow things in our lives to help us grow, strengthen our faith in Him, deepen our relationship with others, and ultimately draw others to Him.
I can tell you from my own personal experiences that it has been in the hard times that I have learned best how to trust God. It is when nothing else is making sense that I can run to the shelter of His wings and take refuge and know that all is going to be alright. If you are His you know that all things work together for the glory of Him. That is peace. That is joy beyond comprehension.
Some verses to ponder:
Romans 5:8 [Full Chapter]
Romans 8:28 [Full Chapter]
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
If you do not know this love yet, you can friend! Just ask God to forgive your sin and enter your heart to live as your savior. He will answer your prayer and will begin to walk with you through every part of your life. It is a sweet journey!
*all scripture references taken from Bible Gateway; NIV and KJV
Powerful message. Needed to read this today. Thank you.