Big question, I know...And I have always struggled to find a good answer. Surprise, surprise, that the answer I have found to be sufficient comes straight from the Man Upstairs, in the Good Book itself. Psalm 55:22He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. [NASB] When bad things happen to good people, some bystanders will scoff, like Job's friends, saying, 'Well, you must not be righteous so God is punishing you.' Are you not righteous? OR Is this not a stumble? God's hand is in everything that happens on this earth, and everything is made to bring glory to Him. God has a plan and a will for all of our lives. As I recently heard a preacher put it, God has a Perfect Will and a Permissive Will. God doesn't want us to suffer, we are His children who He has a Perfect Will for. However, He allows it through his Permissive Will because all will bring glory to God. When something bad happens to you, do not consider it to be God letting you stumble and fall. Consider it to be God giving you a unique opportunity to show the world your faith, and the hope and trust that you have put in Jesus to be your savior and to fulfill the promises He has made to you. I know this is easy to write. I also know that it is hard to do because I have had to do it myself. My family is going through some really big and really hard stuff. And we will be going through it for a long time to come. But I have come to realize that my faith has only been strengthened through this whole experience so far. God has proven again and again and again that my faith is surely good and that God will come through for me. "Even though I walk through the shadow of the valley of death, I fear none for God is with me." It will take time to recognize the stumbling blocks in your life as not blocks, but opportunities to share the truth of a relationship with Jesus, but it is so worth it. The negativity that you have been pouring into these "blocks" will transform into humility and gratitude when you start treating them as the planned opportunities that God has given you.
Prayers for peace, M
1 Comment
Nana
5/4/2020 10:28:49 am
Megh, as I consider your life circumstances at the time this was written, I am encouraged by your deep dive into FAITH. (Not 'religion,' although religion has its place and is important if pursued with a heart open to God's will.) If we give our full attention to daily study and communion with God - listening, as well as talking - He will grow in us, our trust in Him will grow, and we will be light for others. You are salt and light in a world that often seems dark. Your faith inspires me again and again.
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