Bad things are a gift from God.
1. They reveal our spiritual selves.
They reveal if we are in sin and reveal the need for repentance.
1 Pet 4:15 “None of you however should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler."
Examine ourselves for repentance if we are suffering as one of the above. Is sin the cause for suffering?
Are we suffering because we have neglected the things of God/family due to too much time in work, studies?
1. They reveal our spiritual selves.
They reveal if we are in sin and reveal the need for repentance.
1 Pet 4:15 “None of you however should suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or a meddler."
Examine ourselves for repentance if we are suffering as one of the above. Is sin the cause for suffering?
Are we suffering because we have neglected the things of God/family due to too much time in work, studies?
Are we suffering because we are addicted to pornography?
David suffered because of his adultery with Bathsheba.
Are we suffering because we do not love our spouses, family enough?
Eph 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives." Too many broken families due to this simple principle.
Are we suffering because our speech is coarse/vulgar?
Are we suffering because of jealously, pride in someone more gifted than us or has achieve more success than us? Like the bitterness of Saul?
If we are, we need to repent.
Matt 5:3,4 "Blessed are those who mourn for their sins, for they will be comforted."
They reveal if we continue to trust in God.
In good times, when things are going well, needs are taken care of, we trust God. But what about when the bad things happen?
They reveal if we continue to trust in God.
In good times, when things are going well, needs are taken care of, we trust God. But what about when the bad things happen?
Bad things reveal our weakness in our faith. If we are trusting in God enough. If we are we loving Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Or if we are still reliant upon our health, wealth, relationships?
Note Job’s response.
Job 1:21
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”
He continued to trust in God. He had no other reliance. He continued to love God, praise God, with whatever he had even though his closest companion, rejected it.
Note Job’s response.
Job 1:21
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised.”
He continued to trust in God. He had no other reliance. He continued to love God, praise God, with whatever he had even though his closest companion, rejected it.
Noah continued building the ark though he was ridiculed by his closest friends.
Joseph keep his faith in God's promises when he was in potiphar's house, in jail.
Abraham continued sacrificing his son, though it was the most prized possession he had.
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