We all face trials and heartaches in this world. Life in this world is full of troubles pains and disappointment. The men and women of this world cope with their troubles by ascribing them all to some blind fate or superstitious streak of bad luck. The worldly religionists blame their troubles on Satan, or a lack of faith, or on some sin for which they are being punished. Because men refuse to see and recognize the hand of God in their troubles, they spend much time vexing themselves with worry, anxiety, and fear. But God's people, those who are truly born of God and live by faith, recognize the hand of God in all things, even their trials and troubles. Worry and fretfulness, we know, is contrary to our faith. To ascribe our troubles to fate, or luck, or even Satan would be superstitious and idolatrous. We know that God alone has control over all things. So the question naturally arises HOW SHOULD BELIEVERS RESPOND TO THEIR TRIALS? Our natural tendency is to worry, but it is contrary to our faith and dishonering to our God. Perhaps you are saying, "Pastor, I know that my worrying is both evil and senseless. It never does any good. It only makes my troubles worse. But how can I avoid it?" Here are five things that I believe will be helpful to everyone of you who love and trust the Lord Jesus Christ.
I know that this is contrary to the religious world in which we live; but it is in exact agreement with the Word of God (Rom. 8:28; I Thess. 5:18). He works all things both good and evil, both pleasant and painful, both prosperous and adverse~ he works all things together for the good of his people. Whatever your present circumstance is, it is your heavenly Father's will. That gives me comfort. If my present trouble is God's will for me, then it must be best for me.
2. PATIENTLY SUBMIT TO GOD'S WILL.
The whole of faith is submitting to the will of God. If I recognize that all that comes to pass in my life is the will of God concerning me, then I certainly ought to submit myself to whatever he does. Nothing will give you more patience, joys and contentment than submission of heart to the will of Gods whatever it is. We all should say with our Lord, "Father, into thy hand I commit my life; not my will, but thy will be done." To seek my own way and my own will is to worry. To seek and submit to God's will and God's way is to cease from all worry.
3. TAKE YOUR CARE, YOUR BURDEN, AND YOUR TROUBLE TO THE LORD.
Cast your care upon the Lord, he does care for you. Call upon the Lord your God in prayer, and tell him all the care of your heart. "Let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the time of need." The Lord our God delights to hear the voices of his children in prayer, even if it is only the cry of a child in pain and sorrow. His shoulders are broad enough to carry your load. So take your burden to the Lord; and then leave it there. He will take care of you.
4. TRUST THE LORD.
Truly trust him. Trust his wisdom and power, his goodness and grace. He will do what is best. He always has. He does not always do what we think is best; but he always does what is truly best. He is too wise to err, too good to do evil, and too powerful to fail. This is the secret of peace - Trust the Lord. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in thee." Wait patiently on the Lord. He will do you good.
5. SEEK THE GLORY OF GOD ABOVE ALL THINGS.
His glory must be preferred above my comfort. In all things, we who believe say, "The Lord be magnified." We want no more than this. And this we shall have. Our God will be glorified, even in our trials!
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