My God is not punitive!

I had an interesting discussion this week with a respected individual who I had as a teacher many years ago. The point of contention was whether or not God “prescribes” trials. My opponent opined that God sends trials as medicine which our gracious and wise Physician prescribes because we need them. I do not agree. The thought of God contriving trials to send my way is not the God of grace, love and mercy that I have come to know through the Bible.

It is my opinion that trials are challenges that we face and endure. There are some trials we impugn upon ourselves based upon our actions. These trials are consequences of our own choices. There are also trials we must endure that are thrust upon us based on someone else’s choices. James 1 states that as Christians we will have situations which come our way which test and challenge us. These tests are a catalyst to growth and maturity. These trials will also force our faith into the open and show our true colors. Further in James 1, it says that every desirable and beneficial gift comes from heaven. There is nothing deceitful about God, nothing two-faced, nothing fickle. I do not believe that God prescribes trials. He does however allow us to experience them so that we may grow. Trials and suffering produces perseverance, character and hope; hope does not disappoint us. (Rom. 5:3-4). God does not designate trials to be delivered upon us. Most trials are a direct consequence of man’s choices. However, God does allow us to experience them. I can say with confidence that He is by my side every step of the way as I navigate through them. My God is always there for me, guiding, protecting, instructing and comforting. In Him, I have strength, hope and joy to persevere through any trial. God is my help and my refuge. (Psalm 121)

I do agree that trials and testing are a necessary part of life which God uses to grow us. The difference in thinking between my friend and I is he sees them as prescribed (appointed, ordained or enjoined) by God. I see them as allowed (to permit) by God. My God is not punitive. My God is a loving God filled with grace and mercy. He is my refuge and hope.

I am Ninja!

Psalm 18:28 -29

You, Oh Lord, keep my lamp burning

my God turns my darkness into light

With your help I can advance against a troop

with God I can scale a wall

I love these two verses. There are times where it seems like I just can't continue on my own. But, God can "keep my lamp burning". I am not in this life alone He is with me every step of the way. In Him, I can persevere and make it though anything. My lamp will keep burning!

I also sometimes just don't know what to do. I feel like I am in the dark and do not know what is real and what are perceptions created in my mind. God "turns my darkness into light". God can give me the wisdom I need. He always can reveal what is true and can help me to see things as He does. In Him, I have a more true perspective on what is real. He turns my darkness into light.

I also love that "with God I can scale a wall". In Him, I can do anything; get through any situation, be strong, have hope, and all things are possible. I can scale a wall. In God, I am Ninja :-)

The Serenity Prayer

(Reinhold Niebuhr)

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Amen

John 15:1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the Gardener"

It has always been a hobby of mine to spend time gardening. I enjoy working in the garden. Planting seeds and watching them grow. Weeding out the harmful plants which might choke out the ones I desire to be there. Watering and feeding the garden. Pruning away the wild branches on the plant so that it might grow more full and lush. Pruning it to shape it to add beauty to the garden.

I love the picture of God as my Gardener and my life as the garden. He tenderly works on my life. Nurturing me and loving me, watching me grow. It is His utmost desire for me to thrive. Weeding to make sure that I am healthy and vital. Pruning away the baggage and issues in an effort to help me grow into the person He has created me to be. With tenderness, love and devotion, He watches over my life to make all things beautiful.

My Heavenly Father is the Gardner of my life!