“God is not the author of our difficulties — we live in a fallen world and have a vicious adversary — but He doesn’t waste our trials. Some of us need that adversity. He draws us close to Him and reminds us of our dependence on Him because simply hearing His Word is not enough to change us. We have to hear with a heart that knows our own need and is willing to take steps of faith toward Him.”- Chip Ingram
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.”- Luke 6:40 (NIV)
Chip Ingram concludes Chapter 4 of I Choose Joy with the third and last foundational purpose statement.
Purpose Statement #3: I am a servant of the Living God. Chip opens with words of encouragement. Whatever you’re going through, you can be confident of at least one aspect of God’s will for your life. And that is? No matter how good or bad your situation, God desires to make you like Jesus.
Consequently, that means that very often your adverse circumstances contain something that places you in a position to serve Jesus. And in Mark 10:45 (ESV), Jesus described His mission in terms of servanthood. Jesus said: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Most significantly, Jesus serves as the prime example of staying focused on God’s purpose — regardless of what people thought. Certainly, Jesus often found Himself on the hard side of people’s judgments. Yet, He never allowed human opinions to distract Him from His mission.
In conclusion, Chip counsels:
“God never minimizes the heartbreak and suffering you’ve experienced; however, He does redeem it, accomplishes His purposes through it, and invites you to a higher perspective that leads to joy. . . . Pause long enough to reflect on what God is doing in your circumstances.”
Today’s question: Why do people seem to blame God as the author of our difficulties? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Authentic hope – right perspective”