Trying to Make Sense of Things
copyright David Brandon, 5/19/08
Phil. 1:12 "But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel."
Dear friends, like many of you I have seen things which have made me wonder how God could have stood by and let them happen. But what the mind struggles to grasp the heart sees more easily. As it is said, God is revealed first to the heart, then the mind.
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Every Christian should be familiar with Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." No matter how bleak our prospects look there is an underlying reason to feel joy for all believers. But sometimes dreadful things happen to the most devoted saints. Why?
Some Christians hold that the ones who suffer have not claimed what is rightfully theirs; the covenant promises under the present dispensation. Others teach that God chastens the ones He loves as a means of getting their attention. Still others point out that we belong to a fallen race, and many of the tragedies which beset us are the result of the sin nature, which all flesh carries. Perhaps none of these answers gives a full or true explanation for every circumstance.
Paul, however, sheds some light on the reason for his own sufferings, and does so unequivocally. At the time he wrote the Epistle to the Phillipians he was imprisoned, with the possibility of execution staring him in the face. His comments, therefore, have a direct bearing on the question of why bad things happen to the saints of God. He says in that epistle "...the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel."
The Gospel is the thing, beloved brethren, which is central to all of God's plans for us. There is nothing more important to the welfare of any living soul than that he believes the Good News. Perhaps, then, God sometimes allows us to suffer for the gospel's sake. If He stood by while the Romans beheaded Paul, why do we think we should be immune from any difficulties?
Here is more to think about: People in trouble come to the Lord for help. Nothing brings a person to his knees faster than the prospect of tragedy befalling himself or a family member. But when everything is going well the same individual may slack off in his worship habits and forget to give God the glory. He may even take credit for his own success or give glory to himself for his own faith.
Passionate devotion is born in believers during hard times rather than prosperity. When frantic prayers are answered the resultant gratitude carries many through a lifetime of important ministry even when things improve. The Great Commission is fulfilled by such as these, and great, no doubt, will be their reward in heaven! Maybe this is why James said, "count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations." (James 1:2)
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How do we make sense of a miscarriage, stillbirth, death of a child, or other similar tragedies? I do not know. But I believe when we are in glory much will be revealed and things which seem incomprehensible now will suddenly appear to be supported by perfect reason.
Love, your brother in Christ,
David
When you reach the end of your rope
you will find the hem of His garment.
I have often felt that many things that bring us to our knees,
teach us while we are down there to learn to pray.
These possibilities are open to everyone.
Don't tell God you are not good enough, do what He asks.
Don't tell God to send someone else, He asked you.
Don't tell God you don't have time to pray, He said seek me first.
Don't neglect the things of God. He said we are to
pick up His cross daily and follow Him.
Don't tell God anything is bigger than His ability.
God is the Great I Am, I am whatever you need.
There is no pit so deep, God's love is not deeper still.
Not my will but thine oh Lord.
´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·°°´·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°`·.,¸¸,.·´°
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God
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