Greetings:
People often blame God for the natural consequences of their own poor judgments and choices. Some blame the devil for circumstances that were actually planned by God.
God never tempts us to sin, but he tests our character and faith. The storms in our life can be a trial, a temptation, an action or a troubling consequence.
We must remember that God’s purpose is greater than our problems, our physical pain, our relational strains, our hurts and even our sins. We have to admit our shortcomings, repent and move forward.
We have to give it to God. This allows us to be both realistic and optimistic, freed from our religious-bound constraints to be in a relationship with God.
One of my favorite pieces of scripture is Romans 8:28 (NIV). It reads: “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."
Becoming like Jesus means serving, sacrificing, and suffering just as He did. The Bible repeatedly tells us that suffering is often the will of God for our lives. In fact, we sometimes suffer more because we are Christians.
God tells us to consider this a privilege in 2 Timothy 3:12 (The Living Bible), “Yes, and those who decide to please Christ Jesus by living godly lives will suffer at the hands of those who hate him.”
God’s goodness and grace doesn’t mean we'll never be hurt, sad, or unhappy. I don't know why for some, it is greater than for others, but it is.
God allows pain because he is more interested in our character than our comfort. He wants to perfect us not pamper us. His goal for our life is holiness, not happiness. He always values the spiritual over the material, because that is what will last forever.
In Jeremiah 29:11-12 (The Living Bible), God told Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.”
Be blessed.
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