Shaken But Not Moved

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, 

as though some strange thing happened unto you:

1 Peter 4:12

God lets us know throughout His word that He will always make a way for us.  

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.    Romans 8:28  

This scripture is bandied about, often without too much thought, when things are not going our way, but it is applicable to our suffering situations.  Every bad situation that we are in, God can take it and turn it around so that He gets the glory.  You may wonder why is it necessary for God to get the glory when all you’re concerned about is getting out of the bad situation or state that you are in.  We must look at the broader picture.  Think about the children of Israel once God brought them out of Egypt.  One of the things that God told them was they were to be an example to the world that He was God; the one true living God and above Him there is none other.  

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Isaiah 44:6

Everything that they went through, their victories and their sufferings was for the glory of God for others to see the manifested power of God.  

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for?  And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?   Deuteronomy 4:7-8

Through our suffering, we are encouraged to go through our situations the way the scriptures outlines:   

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:2-4

When we suffer, we have to go through as a good soldier; not with a defeated attitude, with a whipped puppy persona, but with our head held high secure in the knowledge that God is in full control of our situation and He will work it out.  Here are some positive ways in which God will handle your situation:

→     TO TURN WEAKNESS TO STRENGTH:

Your human weakness provides opportunity for the demonstration of the power of God.  Apostle Paul knew that; 

For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.   1 Corinthians 1:25

As Apostle Paul prayed about the ‘thorn’ in his life, God told him,  

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.   2 Corinthians 12:9

No wonder he could continue on to say: 

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.   2 Corinthians 12:10

→     TO TURN BAD TO GOOD:  

God takes that which was intended for bad and turns it to good. He redeems it to accomplish His purposes. Joseph told his brothers who had sold him into slavery:  

Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life. . .

So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.  Genesis 45:5, 8  

Satan caused his brothers to bring suffering to Joseph, but God redeemed it for good. Despite the negative circumstances, God was at work behind the scenes. Likewise, Satan inspired men to deliver Jesus to death, but God redeemed it for good. His death resulted in salvation and resurrection life for all of mankind.  God demonstrates His power when He takes your suffering and uses it to accomplish His purposes. There are no accidents or chance happenings in the life of believers because God tells us:    

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,  Ephesians 1:11

→     TO TURN LOSSES TO WINS:  

God turns natural losses to spiritual gains. Paul wrote of his losses in the natural world:   

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.  Philippians 3:7-8

If you are suffering through a difficult situation and don't see yourself or situation in any of the situations listed above, come back tomorrow as we continue to expound on more reasons on how and why  we suffer for Christ's sake.

(Biblical Studies)

09/05/13
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01/28/16
03/07/17
09/25/19

03/27/21