Sometimes we wonder why we have to go through certain things. Somehow many think once you accept Christ you will have no more problems. Problems are what make us strong. No one likes to go through anything. Note the word 'through' indicating you will come out on the other side. Do you ever feel like God is not listening to you and wonder how much more you can take? It says in James 1:3 " Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." "But why God? I can't take much more! Help me!" you might exclaim.
God uses all things in our life to shape our character. He does not cause bad stuff to happen but he uses it for good to mold you into a child of God. Most of us are familiar with the verse in Romans 8:28 which says "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." Now mind you it is not recommended to approach a friend going through a terrible situation with this verse right on the spot. I have heard of altar calls at funerals where the deceased family uses a death as an opportunity to let others accept Christ.
1 Peter 1:7 carries this theme of trials further when it says "These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
Why is it people have a tendency to get mad at God when things go bad or the worse case scenario, when someone dies? It seems it is always God's fault. Everyone is going to die someday. People do not see God's big picture at times and just want to blame Him for after all "He is God and He could have stopped it". In John 11:21 Martha got mad at Jesus and she said "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died." There we go again. God is the fall guy.
James 1:12 tells us "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." Can you hang in there through the storms and uncertainties of life knowing God knows the 'end of the story'?
God is able to redeem your life from a pit. He is able to comfort you when no one else can. Ephesians 3:20 says " Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." We are the potter and He is the clay and he forms us and shapes us through all sorts of things. Jeremiah 18:6 says "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel."
In the movie 'To Save A Life' ,a young man has a bunch of bad stuff happen after he decides to follow the Lord. He has lived a reckless life in high school and hurt people and some of the things has done come back to haunt him. But in the end it is a story of healing and redemption. Rent the movie and see it for a story of hope and promise.
So where are you at? Do you place blame on God when things do not always go your way? Stop today and turn your scars into stars for the Lord and ask Him to forgive you if you have hardened your heart against Him and blamed Him for calamity in your life. He can heal, restore, redeem and set free so why not let Him?
PRAYER: Father in heaven I thank you for each thing in my life which I know helps to mold and shape me to be more like you. Even though it is painful sometimes I know when I hang on things will be better. Help me to trust you and turn to you for things I do not understand. You are God after all. I thank you for loving me and having a plan for my life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Click on link and praise God in song. Be set free!
http://youtu.be/2tg9reEvRPM
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