For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9
The other day, a man asked me, “Why does God let bad things happen to Christians? Why do we have to suffer so much?” I had just finished telling him about some trials my family is facing currently. At his question, without even taking any time to think about it, I responded. My answer surprised him. “If everything were always sunshine and roses and if everything always went our way, we would never truly know the goodness of God. Without the trials, we would never see God’s awesome power and provisions.” I will admit that at the beginning of my trials, I was shaken. My heart hurt, and I certainly did not understand why these things were happening. However, as I explained to this man, I do not need to know the “why” because it does not matter. In fact, knowing the “why” would not change anything. I am leaning upon the Lord and trusting in His Word.
God has a purpose and a plan. It is much easier to accept this when we change our question of “Why is this happening?” to “What is God going to do with this?” Just as we cannot experience the beauty of the rainbow without the rain, we cannot experience the goodness of God without any pain. Satan has tried throughout the past few weeks to fill my mind with doubt and confusion, but I refuse to give him the victory. Every time his voice starts to rise, I silence it with the Word of God. I refute his accusations and lies with the precious promises of God, such as Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:19, Job 23:10, II Corinthians 12:9, and so many others. I am letting David be my example. When he faced some trials of his own, I Samuel 30:6 says that he …encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
One of my favorite verses to meditate upon, especially in difficult times, is Psalm 46:10. The beginning of the verse says, Be still, and know that I am God… When broken down and put into action, this verse can be a guide for surviving our trials.
Be still…
In other words, we must quiet ourselves. Turn off the electronics. Get away from the noise. Stop thinking and do not make any decisions.
…and know…
Stop doubting. Start trusting. Remember that God always keeps His promises to us, even when we have forgotten them.
…that I am God…
He is not the “I was” or the “I will be.” He is the “I AM!” He is King, Lord, Master, Healer, Almighty, and the list continues. When we look to the Bible for answers, we should take the time to understand what God tells us, then we should act upon it.
It is easy to say that we trust God when things are going well. When others go through trials, it takes little effort to remind them that God will work out all the details. However, when it is us in the fire, our true beliefs are revealed. I definitely do not have it all figured out and certainly have failed in this area many times; but as I grow older and spend more time with the Lord, I truly can say that God is forever faithful. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He is a constant help in time of need. Things are rarely done in my timing, and life does not always go the way that I think it should go; but whatever God brings my way, it is always for my good and for His glory.
“I must admit that
I don’t understand
why God would let me face
this painful circumstance.
All I have to cling to
is His Word and His name,
but that’s enough,
so I will trust.
Because I love the Lord,
He’s promised me
He’ll work all things for good,
and through my tears I believe
That His ways are higher
than any of my own.
Though my heart aches,
He makes no mistakes.
It’s for my good and for His glory.
This trial’s not the end of the story.
There’s a bigger picture God alone can see.
Faith will take me through this sorrow,
for I know He holds tomorrow,
and He assures me
it’s for my good and for His glory.”
– Rebecca J. Peck
by Crystal Collingsworth