Everyone experiences difficulties in their lives. It’s part of living in a world influenced by sin. “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Rom. 8:20-21). That everyone has trials in life shouldn’t be an issue. The real question to ask is how each of us face our trials.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). This passage is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn’t minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face. He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.
Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. When he wrote Romans, he expressed his desire to come and visit them, and then go on to preach the gospel in Spain (Rom. 15:28). He envisioned making this trip as a free man, not having been falsely accused in Jerusalem, enduring a perversion of justice, having to appeal to Caesar, and finally reaching Rome as a prisoner, chained constantly to a Roman guard (Acts 21-28). How would he face this situation? It would have been easy to get depressed and despondent, doubt in God’s will, and give up. Not Paul! From this situation, he wrote the church in Philippi and spoke of his blessings, including the blessings that had come from this imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14). Paul realized the opportunities he had to reach people as a prisoner for the Lord, which would never have been available to him as a free man.
What is the application for us? We usually find what we look for. If we only look at our problems, then that’s all we will see. If we look for possibilities and blessings, even in adverse circumstances, we can find them, as well. It depends on whether we trust God enough to look at life from His perspective. Our attitudes are what we make of them, what we choose them to be. May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find good, even in times that aren’t so good. You’ll be amazed at the quality of life you can have, when you allow yourself to look for the positive in life. Remember, in Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life. Live it that way, and find God’s richest blessings.
Robert Johnson
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