Lamentations 3:32-33 says, “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his
unfailing love. For he does not
willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.” Did you read that? God does not WILLINGLY bring affliction or
grief to any of us! So that begs the
question, then why does He if He does not do it willingly?
Lately, I have pondered much upon that. Here is what I have concluded. There is simply no other way for true,
authentic faith to be seen. It is easy
to believe and trust when you know everything will turn out like you want it to
turn out. But the moment life throws us
a curve ball, we are tempted to doubt, to complain, to be angry all because
things have not gone the way we wanted them to go!
Scripture backs up my conclusion. 1 Peter 1:7 speaking of grief in all kinds of
trials says, “These have come so that
your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by
fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus
Christ is revealed.”
So here is the deal:
God does not bring affliction, nor grief on us willingly, but He allows
it because it is the only way to show true faith in Him resulting in glory
being given to Jesus. So the next time
you are wondering “why me????” just remember, it is because you have true,
authentic faith. The question then
becomes “will you let it shine through so that Jesus is glorified through
you?” I pray so.
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
