God Still Works Through Hard Seasons
You know the saying “get comfortable with being uncomfortable”?
How would you describe your current season of life? We suspect that many of us are going through a season of life marked by something challenging.
That was at the heart of our group discussion this past week as we read through day 25 of Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Life in the Seven24 study. It was also pretty timely, as we had a challenging week ourselves! It poses the question: "Why does God allow trouble and suffering?”
Before we really dive in, we want to recognize that every situation is unique and nuanced. And as we studied scripture, we fully admit that this is an area we do not fully understand. This world is broken, and there is a lot of tough stuff out there!
“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” Romans 8:28
So, does that mean that God causes every trouble in our lives for his purpose? We don’t think so! However, we live in a fallen and broken world. Tough things happen that don’t turn out the way we want. Not everything ends happily on earth.
What we do gather is that in all situations, no matter how tough, GOD can use them for good. Everything that happens to us has spiritual significance. Sharpening us, and preparing us for an eternal life without sin or suffering!
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trial of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” James 1:2-4
Sounds great, right? When we look back at our trials, it’s often easier to find purpose. What about when you are in the middle of one? From experience, it can be frustrating and difficult to find purpose or maintain faith in the middle of the storm.
As we reflected on this topic and navigated some challenges this past week, we remembered God’s Sovereignty. We were reminded that neither our individual effort nor our willpower can offset God’s will for us. However, through faith, patience, and prayer, God can do amazing things with very little work on our parts. And sometimes our trials are used to shape us into the men God designed us to be. Fine-tuning us like a jeweler using a hammer and a chisel. If that isn’t enough to get our attention, he may have to get out the sledgehammer. And if we ignore that, we might get the jackhammer!
He is going to get our attention one way or another!
Through our troubles, we continually remember God’s love for us and the HOPE of an eternal life in Heaven with HIM. And despite our troubles, we leave you with a verse of encouragement:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27
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