Psalm 119 v 27-28
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
28 My soul is weary with sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word.
Isaiah 41 v 10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Has there been an event in your life, which looking back upon, you’re able to say, “It happened for my own good?”
How has God used the varied circumstances of your life to improve and to change you?
“Every disappointment is a trial of our faith…a test that proves the genuineness of your relationship with your God and His Word.”
Kay Arthur
As Silver Refined
1998
“If your relationship with God is only powerful enough to carry you through sunny days and overflowing bank accounts, it cannot and will not be a beacon of hope to a hopeless and hurting world.”
Rebecca Lusignolo
Adversity
2007
Prophet Jeremiah wrote in Jeremiah 24 that God, said that He sent His children into the land of Babylon and He did it “for their own good!” the Bible commentator Matthew Henry said about what God did to His children. “Even this disgraceful uncomfortable captivity God intended for their benefit; and we are sure that His intentions are never frustrated: ‘I have sent them into the land of the Chaldeans for their good’. It seemed in every way for their hurt, not only as it was the ruin of their estates, honours, and liberties, separated them from their relations and friends, and put them under the power of their enemies and oppressors, as it sunk their spirits, discouraged their faith, deprived them of the benefit of God’s oracles and ordinances, and exposed them to temptations; yet it was designed for their good.”
It sounds ludicrous. Even crazy! To think that all the trials and tribulations that smack us in the face are meant for our good seems like a bad joke. And yet, this is what God told His friend and prophet, Jeremiah. No wonder Jeremiah was called the “Weeping Prophet.” He lived at a time in the history of God’s children when he had a whole lot to cry about. Jeremiah Chapter 20 is “a dilly” – or what the dictionary defines as “remarkably extraordinary.” Why? Because Jeremiah had enough. And for all of you who feel you have had enough too here are the words God’s prophet directed to his Creator:
“Jeremiah said: ‘O Lord, You have deceived me…You are stronger than I am and You have prevailed. I am a laughing stock all the day; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out and complain; I shout, violence and destruction! For the word of the Lord has become to me a reproach and derision and has brought me insult all day long. If I say, I will not make mention of the Lord or speak any more in His name, in my mind and heart it is as if there were a burning fire shut up in my bones. And I am weary of enduring and holding it in. I cannot contain it any longer. For I have heard many whispering and defaming. There is terror on every side. Denounce Him. Let us denounce Him! Say all my familiar friends, they who watch for my fall.”
Jeremiah 20: 7-10
Amplified Bible
Our Father in heaven can take our frustration and fury. He let Jeremiah talk to Him as friends would speak to one another, “Why, oh why God are you letting me be mocked? Why did you ask me to be a prophet and then leave me to be battered even by people who referred to me as their friends? People I care about demean and denigrate me. They scoff at me and frankly You as well.” Matthew Henry commenting on this passage observes that, “Here is an account of the temptation Jeremiah was in under this affliction. And this is that which is most to be dreaded in affliction…Jeremiah was tempted to quarrel with God for making him a prophet.” He was ready to give up on God! Has that happened to you? And God didn’t get mad at Him. In fact, God understood! Maybe your trials are so great and so painful that you have considered giving up on what God has called you to do for Him? Hang on a little longer is all I ask for we are going to find out that our Father loves us in ways we can’t imagine, what’s more His purpose for our lives is so fantastic!
