“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
The startling command of 1 Thessalonians 5:18 bewilders even committed believers at times: “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” How do we give thanks in times of catastrophe? For what are we grateful when disaster strikes?
As foreign as it may seem, we give thanks to God in all things because His sovereign, loving power is able to weave our grief, sorrow, and pain into the fabric of His eternal plan for our lives. God does not cause evil, and neither is He conquered by it. His purpose for us cannot be thwarted by our problems. For that, we can give thanks in the midst of our adversity.
Margaret Clarkson wrote years ago in Grace Grows Best in Winter:
“The sovereignty of God is the one impregnable rock to which the suffering human heart must cling. The circumstances surrounding our lives are no accident: they may be the work of evil, but that evil is held firmly within the mighty hand of our sovereign God. All evil is subject to Him, and evil cannot touch His children unless He permits it. God is the Lord of human history and of the personal history of every member of His redeemed family.”
“...no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” Job 42:2
Monday, May 16, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Suffering a Faith Failure
“Thus they told him, and said, ‘We went in to the land where you sent us; and it certainly does flow with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless, the people who live in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; and moreover, we saw the descendants of Anak there. Amalek is living in the land of the Negev and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites are living in the hill country, and the Canaanites are living by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.’ Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, ‘We should by all means go up and take possession of it, for we will surely overcome it.’ But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are too strong for us.’
So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, ‘The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.’” Numbers 13:27-33
“Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, ‘Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!’” Numbers 14:1-2
Of the millions of men, women, and children who trudged through the wilderness, only two (Caleb and Joshua) saw “the promise” of the Promised Land. The millions suffered a faith failure. Like the sinning Israelites, we too hesitate when facing a challenge, allowing the obstacles to frighten us and even immobilize us. Our objectives are not reached, and our faith sags instead of stretching us.
The key to a growing, confident faith is a consistent focus on the power and might of God. Caleb and Joshua saw imposing giants - as did the rest of the Israeli spies - but they measured them against the power of the Most High God. The focus that develops faith to tackle life’s challenges comes from sustained, concentrated meditation on the Word of God. Remember God’s instructions to Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night...” (Joshua 1:8).
Joshua and Caleb kept their gaze on God in an unwavering faith in His Word. Then when the challenge came, they drew their conclusions on the basis of God’s unlimited resources - not theirs. Nourish your faith for tomorrow’s challenges by renewing your mind in God’s Word today.
“If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited.” Proverbs 24:10
So they gave out to the sons of Israel a bad report of the land which they had spied out, saying, ‘The land through which we have gone, in spying it out, is a land that devours its inhabitants; and all the people whom we saw in it are men of great size. There also we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim); and we became like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.’” Numbers 13:27-33
“Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, ‘Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!’” Numbers 14:1-2
Of the millions of men, women, and children who trudged through the wilderness, only two (Caleb and Joshua) saw “the promise” of the Promised Land. The millions suffered a faith failure. Like the sinning Israelites, we too hesitate when facing a challenge, allowing the obstacles to frighten us and even immobilize us. Our objectives are not reached, and our faith sags instead of stretching us.
The key to a growing, confident faith is a consistent focus on the power and might of God. Caleb and Joshua saw imposing giants - as did the rest of the Israeli spies - but they measured them against the power of the Most High God. The focus that develops faith to tackle life’s challenges comes from sustained, concentrated meditation on the Word of God. Remember God’s instructions to Joshua: “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night...” (Joshua 1:8).
Joshua and Caleb kept their gaze on God in an unwavering faith in His Word. Then when the challenge came, they drew their conclusions on the basis of God’s unlimited resources - not theirs. Nourish your faith for tomorrow’s challenges by renewing your mind in God’s Word today.
“If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited.” Proverbs 24:10
Friday, May 13, 2011
How to Deal with Bitterness, Part 2
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32
Once we decide we are able to accept the fact that the situation which brought on our bitterness was allowed by our Father, we are ready to move into the second stage of healing. A bitter spirit can be eliminated completely through unconditional forgiveness. If we refuse to forgive those who offended us, we will not be free from bitterness.
“But how can I forgive the drunk driver who killed my son?” There is only one way: Extend the same unmerited love God has for you to the one who has wounded you by allowing the Lord Jesus to replace your hatred with His love for him. He wants to express His love through you to that person.
Only God’s love and forgiveness are big enough to tackle a bitter spirit. Our own goodwill and intentions are momentary cures. God forgives us despite our grievous sins. He holds nothing against us when we receive Christ Jesus as our Savior, Lord, and Life.
Bitterness retreats when we deliberately forgive another - regardless of how we feel - as we trust Christ to love him through us. A bitter spirit will be deprived of its nourishment - and die - as we continue to express God’s love. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. When you do, the joy and peace of God will be yours.
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” Psalm 86:5
Once we decide we are able to accept the fact that the situation which brought on our bitterness was allowed by our Father, we are ready to move into the second stage of healing. A bitter spirit can be eliminated completely through unconditional forgiveness. If we refuse to forgive those who offended us, we will not be free from bitterness.
“But how can I forgive the drunk driver who killed my son?” There is only one way: Extend the same unmerited love God has for you to the one who has wounded you by allowing the Lord Jesus to replace your hatred with His love for him. He wants to express His love through you to that person.
Only God’s love and forgiveness are big enough to tackle a bitter spirit. Our own goodwill and intentions are momentary cures. God forgives us despite our grievous sins. He holds nothing against us when we receive Christ Jesus as our Savior, Lord, and Life.
Bitterness retreats when we deliberately forgive another - regardless of how we feel - as we trust Christ to love him through us. A bitter spirit will be deprived of its nourishment - and die - as we continue to express God’s love. Forgive others as Christ has forgiven you. When you do, the joy and peace of God will be yours.
“For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive...” Psalm 86:5
Thursday, May 12, 2011
How to Deal with Bitterness
When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge against us and pays us back in full for all the wrong which we did to him!” So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, “Your father charged before he died, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph, “Please forgive, I beg you, the transgression of your brothers and their sin, for they did you wrong.”’ And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him.
Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:15-21
The first step in removing a bitter spirit is to recognize God’s sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. That means - no matter who hurt you or what trauma you or a loved one have gone through - the Lord Jesus Christ allowed it to happen so that you could experience His grace and sufficiency.
This phase is probably the most difficult of our healing process. From our perspective, it seems God is not in control, that He does not care, that He could stop the pain. In reality God is in full control, allowing disturbing events or people to come our way.
In the nineteenth century Hannah Whitall Smith in The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life wrote: “It may be the sin of many that originates the action, and therefore the thing itself cannot be said to be the will of God; but by the time it reaches us, it has become God’s will for us and must be accepted as directly from His hands. No man or company of men, no power in earth or heaven, can touch that soul which is abiding in Christ, without first passing through His encircling presence and receiving the seal of His permission....Nothing can disturb or harm us, except He shall see that it is best for us and shall stand aside to let it pass.”
“...But He does according to His will...” Daniel 4:35
Then his brothers also came and fell down before him and said, “Behold, we are your servants.” But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. Genesis 50:15-21
The first step in removing a bitter spirit is to recognize God’s sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. That means - no matter who hurt you or what trauma you or a loved one have gone through - the Lord Jesus Christ allowed it to happen so that you could experience His grace and sufficiency.
This phase is probably the most difficult of our healing process. From our perspective, it seems God is not in control, that He does not care, that He could stop the pain. In reality God is in full control, allowing disturbing events or people to come our way.
In the nineteenth century Hannah Whitall Smith in The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life wrote: “It may be the sin of many that originates the action, and therefore the thing itself cannot be said to be the will of God; but by the time it reaches us, it has become God’s will for us and must be accepted as directly from His hands. No man or company of men, no power in earth or heaven, can touch that soul which is abiding in Christ, without first passing through His encircling presence and receiving the seal of His permission....Nothing can disturb or harm us, except He shall see that it is best for us and shall stand aside to let it pass.”
“...But He does according to His will...” Daniel 4:35
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Symptoms of Bitterness
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” Ephesians 4:29-31
Like an infection left untreated, bitterness spreads as a cancer when we refuse to deal with its presence. It spills over into our emotions. We can become easily irritated; we may become sullen and sour; or often we may find ourselves on the verge of tears. We can slide into depression and despair over little things. Our outlook can lean to the pessimistic side. Cynicism and skepticism reign.
Bitterness also can seep into our relationships. The atmosphere in our homes becomes volatile; our children set us on edge. Friendships are stained; isolation advances. Likewise, it taints our work. We are seldom happy at what we do. Our productivity decreases; our creativity diminishes; our orientations toward detail fades. The more the infection of bitterness spreads, the greater our sense of isolation. We tend to withdraw from new ventures or relationships because we fear being hurt again. The most noticeable loss is in our sense of well-being and joy. Laughter and spontaneity surface only occasionally.
Do any of these symptoms strike home? Has bitterness taken its toll on your emotions, your relationships, your home? If so, the disease not only can be checked but cured by a proved biblical prescription. Which we will begin to look at tomorrow.
“And their talk will spread like gangrene...” 2 Timothy 2:17
Like an infection left untreated, bitterness spreads as a cancer when we refuse to deal with its presence. It spills over into our emotions. We can become easily irritated; we may become sullen and sour; or often we may find ourselves on the verge of tears. We can slide into depression and despair over little things. Our outlook can lean to the pessimistic side. Cynicism and skepticism reign.
Bitterness also can seep into our relationships. The atmosphere in our homes becomes volatile; our children set us on edge. Friendships are stained; isolation advances. Likewise, it taints our work. We are seldom happy at what we do. Our productivity decreases; our creativity diminishes; our orientations toward detail fades. The more the infection of bitterness spreads, the greater our sense of isolation. We tend to withdraw from new ventures or relationships because we fear being hurt again. The most noticeable loss is in our sense of well-being and joy. Laughter and spontaneity surface only occasionally.
Do any of these symptoms strike home? Has bitterness taken its toll on your emotions, your relationships, your home? If so, the disease not only can be checked but cured by a proved biblical prescription. Which we will begin to look at tomorrow.
“And their talk will spread like gangrene...” 2 Timothy 2:17
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Bitterness
“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.” Hebrews 12:14-15
Health bulletins routinely carry warnings about leaving water-containing items - such as cans and old tires - scattered around the house or farm. It is not just that these collectors are unsightly, but they are prime breeding grounds for insects. Likewise, the poisonous fruit of a bitter spirit is cultivated in various breeding grounds.
Bitterness is bred in the soil of unfulfilled expectations. We have aspirations and hopes that never mature: “Why didn’t I get that job?” “Why haven’t I accomplished what I wanted in life?” Such dashed dreams can form the perfect atmosphere to nourish a bitter spirit.
Bitterness also is bred in the hearth of adverse circumstances. “Why did my child die so young?” “Why did I get fired from my job?” Affliction can be a hammer that drives us ever deeper into despair, providing the ideal environment for a bitter spirit to grow.
Bitterness also is cultivated through continued anger at people or events. A few days of hostility toward someone or something can become a season, a year, a lifetime of suppressed rage which nourishes a bitter spirit daily.
“And do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4:27
Health bulletins routinely carry warnings about leaving water-containing items - such as cans and old tires - scattered around the house or farm. It is not just that these collectors are unsightly, but they are prime breeding grounds for insects. Likewise, the poisonous fruit of a bitter spirit is cultivated in various breeding grounds.
Bitterness is bred in the soil of unfulfilled expectations. We have aspirations and hopes that never mature: “Why didn’t I get that job?” “Why haven’t I accomplished what I wanted in life?” Such dashed dreams can form the perfect atmosphere to nourish a bitter spirit.
Bitterness also is bred in the hearth of adverse circumstances. “Why did my child die so young?” “Why did I get fired from my job?” Affliction can be a hammer that drives us ever deeper into despair, providing the ideal environment for a bitter spirit to grow.
Bitterness also is cultivated through continued anger at people or events. A few days of hostility toward someone or something can become a season, a year, a lifetime of suppressed rage which nourishes a bitter spirit daily.
“And do not give the devil an opportunity.” Ephesians 4:27
Monday, May 9, 2011
How to Handle Fear, Part 2
“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
If you can remember only one verse when the rush of fear would overwhelm you, memorize the previous verse. Its comfort lies in the amazing truth of its message:
Do not fear, for I am with you. God, Who is far greater than your anxiety, is intimately with you. Think of how comforting it is to have this Friend with you in your time of need. Now think of the steadiness of the presence of your mighty Friend, Jesus Christ.
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. In all of His power and love, the Lord is bound by His covenant to you. He is interested in you personally, and He wants you to focus on Him.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Our Lord, Who is with you and cares for you, will come to your aid. He will sustain you; He will not leave you helpless.
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. You may be weak and feeble, but God has gripped your life with His steadfast love. He will not let you go (John 10:27-30).
Let the deep significance of these divine words sink deep into your heart. By God’s grace, they can calm the inner storms generated by your fears and eventually uproot them as Christ becomes your peace and trust (Eph. 2:13-16).
“It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
If you can remember only one verse when the rush of fear would overwhelm you, memorize the previous verse. Its comfort lies in the amazing truth of its message:
Do not fear, for I am with you. God, Who is far greater than your anxiety, is intimately with you. Think of how comforting it is to have this Friend with you in your time of need. Now think of the steadiness of the presence of your mighty Friend, Jesus Christ.
Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. In all of His power and love, the Lord is bound by His covenant to you. He is interested in you personally, and He wants you to focus on Him.
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Our Lord, Who is with you and cares for you, will come to your aid. He will sustain you; He will not leave you helpless.
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. You may be weak and feeble, but God has gripped your life with His steadfast love. He will not let you go (John 10:27-30).
Let the deep significance of these divine words sink deep into your heart. By God’s grace, they can calm the inner storms generated by your fears and eventually uproot them as Christ becomes your peace and trust (Eph. 2:13-16).
“It is I; do not be afraid.” John 6:20
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)