Bad Things Will Happen
I recently ran across a great blog post that covered a topic I was researching. I enjoyed the single blog so much that I went deeper into her blog to learn more. What I discovered was a woman who was called to encourage women. What I also discovered is how the enemy had stifled her voice; she hasn’t blogged in almost a year.
From what I could deduce she was remarried and had three children from a previous marriage. She didn’t give the details of why, but the end result was that her three children were no longer with her.
Her last blog was a request for people to pray for her children. They were questioning God because their prayers to return home were going unanswered. She didn’t want them to lose their faith.
I wrote a “comment” on her blog that I feel compelled to share with you. I may not know you personally, but I do know our common enemy and his demons. I know their tactics and attempts to drive you away from the hope you have in Christ by getting you to focus on circumstances. I also know their lies, because, even as a believer, a leader and a minister, I have fallen prey to them myself.
So, here is a reminder for all of us when we face dark times:
God’s promise isn’t that we won’t experience bad things, but that he is faithful to not let us face things beyond our ability to endure them. God is faithful and will give you the strength to make it through all the temptations and adversaries in your life: past, present and future. (I Corinthians10:13)
Bad things happen because there is sin in the world and people have the freedom to make selfish and hurtful decisions.
Have hope because God can use our worst experiences in this life for good. (Romans 8:28). And even though the enemy (satan and his demons) are out to destroy our abundant life, what satan intends for evil God intends for good. (Genesis 50:20)
Just like God used the evil that Joseph’s brothers intended for him (selling him into slavery), God used it to save and provide for an entire nation, Israel, by making Joseph the second most powerful person in Egypt.
Much like Joseph, we have to remain faithful to God especially when our circumstances are painful and confusing. Much like Joseph, we will face multiple negative situations, because this world is ruled by darkness.
Stay faithful, and rely on God’s strength to endure. Rebel against the temptation to demand that life be easy and plead to God for strength. Read your Bible. Be wise and not only read it, but do what it says. (James 1:22). If you do you will never regret it!
You are not alone! You never have been, regardless of how you have felt. (Matthew 28:20)
Remember this: your feelings are very real, but they are seldom the truth! God created feelings to be experienced, not to be followed. They are sometimes fun and at other times painful, but they are always terrible leaders. Follow truth, regardless of how you feel; eventually your feelings will follow you.
Stay strong; one day you will look back and see the great and marvelous things God did with a terrible situation.
You are all in my prayers.
This really touched my heart.
Truth is truth. I don’t make it up, I just get to share it.
That being said, I’m glad it spoke to you.
Good one!
Thank you for reaching out to her. Lord, please help her to stand firm during this time of shaking. May her faith be refined and come forth as pure gold. Bind up her heart, Lord. I know her pain, and it is intense. I thank You for the work you’re doing in her and in her family, for You are good.
In Jesus’ name. Amen
o/
Amen!