Let me set the record straight about two things Not everything that happens in life is the will of God. God is at work in life for goodness to happen.
On the way to the grocery store, life happens.
Children rebel and pull away from the things that they were taught. Tragedy comes to the good, the bad, and the ugly—sometime to all three at the same time. The good folks prosper. The bad folks prosper. Spouses choose to through away their covenant love for cheap love. Someone reaches out in compassion to the person in need. Cancer begins to slowly tear down a once healthy vibrant body. And the story goes on.
As life happens some choose to see that as always what God intended. I do not believe this to be true. Sometimes life happens because of the laws of nature. Sometimes life happens because of the selfishness of humanity. Tragedies come randomly as we live life. Mistakes are made. There was a time in civilization when knowledge was so limited that the only response that could be imagined was "God must be doing this." However there is knowledge today that gives us a better grip on life in some areas. Disease is not a punishment from God. It happens as a consequence of genetics, environment, or sometimes the choices we make.
So what do we do when life just happens? Believe and keep the faith.
Keeping the belief system in place is a tough thing to do. This is why during the good times of life; we "stockpile" the promises of God. We fill our lives with the evidence and assurance of God's love and God's care. I am always reminded that Noah built the ark while the sun was still shining. A practical way of doing this is to keep a private journal or notebook that underscores God's presence. I know a person who marks her Bible passages of promise and hope in yellow. On the dark days when life just happens, she says she looks for the sunshine (yellow) passages in her Bible.
Know you are not alone. Some folks try to take life's difficulties alone. Men have a tendency to do this. One is convinced that this is strength when it is not. It is weakness. Strength is reaching for help and companionship knowing that two or more are stronger than one. The assurance of faith knows that God is at work for goodness. What happens is not good---but God's creative power can make something good come out of life's difficulties.
A woman who suffered great tragedy in her life but became a beacon of light to those around her was once asked, "How do you do it? What is your secret?" Her answer was, "I keep the faith and it keeps me!"
So on the way to the grocery store, life WILL happen. Keep the faith and the faith will keep you—in life and life everlasting.
Pray for me as I Pray for you.
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