It's All For A Reason

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, Isaiah, 55:8

When adverse circumstances come upon us, we most certainly wonder "why" God would allow such a thing. Did He turn His head? We're pretty sure He didn't. In Isaiah, God declares that His thinking is different than ours, and we don't always understand what's happening or what He's doing. But, it's encouraging to know that God really is in control.

In Job's case, it was God who pointed out Job's righteous life to the accuser Satan. Moreover, the extent of Satan's attack was clearly limited and defined by God. It was God who set the rules and the boundaries.

It's easy to blame the devil for our circumstances, but it's God who has the devil on puppet strings, allowing stuff for a higher good. In his own difficulties, Job replied to his bitter wife, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble ( Job 2:10)?"

We can be encouraged to know there is an ultimate purpose God is working in us in difficult circumstances.

Why do things happen we don't always understand or approve of? First, we learn just how fragile and limited our lives are, and then just how much we need Him. We learn to cry out and lean upon Him. Also, God wants to conform us to the image and likeness of His Son. All things, indeed, work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28-29).

Our adversity is an opportunity for God to receive glory!

Everything happens for a reason -- to form in us the heart of Jesus and to become more like him in every way. I want that. How about you?

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