Tuesday, November 10, 2009
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.
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2 comments:
Hi Michelle!
You are so blessed to have that view of our Heavenly Father! I'm still working on that! I desparately want to always view Him like that, but growing up in the church I did, (not that I was taught incorrectly), but they did really push the fear factor. Even though I always had a deep love for Christ, the God side seemed very scary and just waiting to condemn me. And I remember learning about Job at too young of an age and that was disturbing to me. It left me feeling like we are all pawns on a chess board. Something that really helped me to see God as a more loving Father was reading the book The Shack. I loved that book so much. But old habits die hard and I have to keep seeking the God that is truly my Father. I do agree with you that God does allow our trials and uses them for His purpose. Sometimes to refine us and maybe sometimes to bring others to Him. But they are His purposes and I am faithful that they are for our good and His Glory.
Hey Michelle,
I'm so glad to have found your blog! Thank God that He can take the tuff stuff that life dishes out and redeem it for our good and His glory. Living each day by Romans 8:28. You bless me sister~friend!
Love,
~Michelle
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