I recently heard the expression, “Life happens for us, not to us.” This is a mindset that helps us see the positive in life’s events.
Some people have an easier time believing this idea than others, but it is consistent with the well known Bible passage Romans 8:28 which says, “And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
And Romans 5:3-5 tells us that even our difficulties are for our good, saying, “we also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”
So life does happen for us. In all life’s events, we should look for what God is doing for us, to make us better.
Dear Lord, you are always working on us if we let you. Help us find the lesson you have for us in all of our circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Nevertheless, suffering is suffering. And in that moment people need care, support and love, not so much a message that God is teaching them or drawing them closer to him. Years ago my son was dating a young lady with a rare condition that was taking away her ability to control motor function. She was cute, intelligent and articulate, but her reaction was to reject God and embrace atheism because she didn’t believe a loving God would allow diseases like hers to exist. It was very sad ….. I hope God will find a way to reveal himself to her, but I think in the midst of suffering, people become depressed and angry. Interesting that the story of Job tells us that Job was tested, but Satan was behind the scenes creating havoc for Job……and God allowed it. This story is puzzling to me, that God allowed a good man to be punished essentially to prove the man would remain faithful. I get the reward afterwards, but why put Job through that misery ? My son’s girlfriend was essentially a Job ….. but she knew the progression of the disease would take away her ability to walk…..and greatly impair her arm movement and hand control. Now, years later, that is her situation. I don’t think God brought those things down on her but she does…..and that seems to be Satan’s deception.
I was just reading Romans this morning and came upon both verses. Because we have gone through a great struggle with our son, I was gratified to read of suffering leading to hope.