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 Trust God in Troublesome Times (October 17, 2023)

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.” (1 Peter 5:10) 

As demonstrated by the intensifying Israel-Hamas war and other world conflicts, mass slayings, natural disasters, and other troublesome woes that we see in the world today, there are many facets of life over which we have no control. What we can control, however, is our response to the unfortunate circumstances that confront us all. A positive attitude based on confident trust in the LORD is the key to joyful, peaceful Christian living when we face hardships and trials! We are indeed powerless to deal with many of the situations that we face daily, but we have yielded authority over our lives to a sovereign God who is working through our circumstances to further our spiritual growth and fulfill His glorious divine purpose for each of our lives. Suffering is part of servanthood to Jesus Christ who suffered unimaginably to secure our salvation! 

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

Unceasing prayer, praise, and thanksgiving allow us to focus on God rather than our problems and to rise above our circumstances. It may go against our human nature, but we must refuse to futilely indulge in complaining, wallowing in self-pity, and blaming other people or God for our difficulties. Instead, we must steadfastly exercise our faith, trusting God to keep His promises to guide us through the storms of life and work all of life’s circumstances to the ultimate benefit of each believer. David modeled the godly response to his tribulations, declaring, “I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) Remember that a loving God uses adversity to shape us into the likeness of Christ so that we may one day share the matchless glory of our risen LORD! 

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)



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