When Bad Things Happen . . . .
Sometimes, out of nowhere, things happen that you cannot understand. The pain, the loss, the suffering make no sense. You begin to wonder how you ended up in this place. I recently found myself on the sidelines while two friends, and a grandchild went though such experiences. We should find reassurance in Scripture:
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, [he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
But how are we to respond? I have learned that it is important to remember that our Father who will allow these calamities will use them to build the man or woman he designed us to be. Modern Christianity often ignores the role of struggles in our lives. Since we are not taught much about our spiritual battles we can fall prey to trespassing spirits (messengers of Satan) who take advantage of this time to torment us. They try to convince us that God is not with us, that we are alone and better plan to guard or protect ourselves.
This can lead to all kinds of sins and errors, committed under the temptation to trust our own devices. As we seek God’s comfort we must also guard our hearts against these lying spirits. We can decide to be resentful, depressed, angry, fearful, or reckless if we forget there is a plan. I pray that my loved ones who are tested now will not make any change that cannot be biblically defended. All thoughts, attitudes and actions we make in our efforts to escape or avoid pain must be able to pass the test. We must rely on the weapons of warfare the Lord has provided.
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