by David Brenneman
"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation." Romans 5:1-11.
"Why's this happening to me?"
"What did I do to deserve this?"
"Where did I go wrong?"
Perhaps you're in a tight spot and have had thoughts like this or something similar.
I know that in my weakness I have uttered or thought such things.
It's a wildly incorrect notion that our lives will be all sunshine and rainbows after coming to Christ for salvation.
My Dear Reader, we come to Christ for salvation WE are that injured Samaritan on the side of the road of life that is found by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is the one who had gathered us up and taken us to be healed, transformed from our lowly estate into the likeness of Christ Jesus Himself.
It's hard because the curse of sin that His shed blood defeated is an extremely sore loser at life.
It's hard because we are learning how to truly live how to truly love as God intended not as we have muddled through life believing.
It's not supposed to be all comfort and easy living the Christian life.
If you have come to Christ for salvation and all you're experiencing is a cushy life of self pleasure and ease...you really need to examine yourself and be sure of your salvation.
A life in Christ Jesus is going to mean a transformed life. One where we open our spiritual eyes for the first time and learn how to use them. One where our spiritual legs are slowly strengthened and we learn how to walk. One where we learn how to use this spiritual body because...we have never used it before.
It's a movie quote from "The Matrix". Neo: "Why do my eyes hurt?" Morpheous: "It's because you've never used them."
We are going to go through exactly what Paul wrote about that we just read in the book of Romans.
Tribulations to bring about perseverance to bring proven character which brings hope.
Is there a why behind whatever befalls you? Always.
Do you bring some of it upon yourself? Undoubtedly. You still have free will to choose to obey Christ or to drive your life yourself.
Do you have a right to know why?
Actually that answer is no.
In His sovereignty, Jesus isn't obligated to explain Himself to you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6. This says nothing about, nor will you find it in the Bible anywhere, that He must tell you why concerning any decisions regarding the path of your life.
Job knew nothing until he died.
My Dear Reader, children trust their parents because they have no reason not to. Parents are to be the Biblical representation of Christ to their children.
I was born with certain birth defects, both physically and mentally. We all actually have something that we are limited by with regards to these things. That is the curse of sin. It corrupted what was by God's design perfect.
But these things in which we see as limitations are not limitations to our Lord Jesus Christ. Was the stuttering problem of Moses a limitation to keep the children of Israel from leaving Egypt? What was Jesus's response to Moses? Wasn't it Me who created your mouth? (paraphrased).
Lastly Jesus said plainly, no parable in mind: In this world we will have troubles and tribulation but to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world.
No we won't be protected from every single thing this world throws at us. We will be from those things that will mess with God's plans for our lives. Satan and his minions do not have free reign with messing with our lives. We, most of us anyway, are not significant enough to be directly on Satan's radar. So don't give him credit where none is due. All Believer's will go through a cleansing process. All will learn how to let go of things that we have or we do that do not make us more like Christ. All.
Pray for strength. Pray for endurance. Pray for encouragement. Intentionally surround your thoughts with praise and worship music to bolster the work of the Spirit of God in you. Don't fill your head and heart with music or ideologies that aren't going to glorify God. These will hinder the work of God in you and WILL prolong whatever lessons He's trying to teach you.
Pray. Without. Ceasing.
Grow in Christ so that you will be useful to the One who gave His life to save you.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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