So too often when things happen to us, we want to blame someone or something else. Recently, I was reading a devotional about anger. If you cannot tell, that is one of my major areas that needs to be worked on.
In this devotional, the author was talking about being angry with God. The question is are you? If so, why? What do you think God should do? After you think about it for a while, take that idea and toss it out the window so it can never be found again.
Somehow, we think that God works for us. That is not true. God created all of us and therefore, He can do with us as He pleases.
Now God does love us, but that does not mean He will exempt us trials or tribulations. In fact, it is probably the exact opposite.
Think about it this way, Christ who is God, but was also God’s son suffered the most when crucified on the cross. Paul one of the most prevalent authors of the Bible also suffered. Many disciples were persecuted and killed. John the Baptist was beheaded. What makes you think that because you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior that you are exempt from any type of suffering.
James had a couple of verses on suffering, trials, and tribulations:
James 1:2-4 New International Version (NIV)
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 5:7-12 New International Version (NIV)
Patience in Suffering
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
When one is in pain, it is hard to thank someone especially when you cannot see the one you are thanking. Plus lets face it, who really wants to go through trials, tribulations, suffering, or temptations. You guessed it, no one.
However, this is exactly what James is saying. Instead of being bitter and hateful, sit down, take a deep breath, relax, and then thank the Lord. When you have done everything you know to possible to do, then ask the Lord for help, Just realize that God may tell you no like He told Paul no. If He tells you no, maybe there is something that you need to learn or experience.
So spend time with Christ and God. In other words stop thinking of yourself and start thinking of what they would want. That is one of the greatest ways to show you love them. It will also help build your relationship with them.