[Discoveries] 06-02-07 Opportunities

[Inspiration in Your Inbox]

/*I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with 
the glory that will be revealed in us. -- Romans 8:18*/

Here's the sixth paradigm shift: Trials are opportunities, not punishments.

It's pretty easy to get the idea that our trials are some kind of Divine 
retribution, God's way of showing His displeasure for our actions, how 
God "gets back" at us when we misbehave.

Here's how that viewpoint translates into real life: When we see others 
with problems, we become "Job's counselors," quick to tell others what 
they did wrong to get into such a mess. When we have problems of our 
own, we cry out to God, "Why!?" because we are convinced that we 
couldn't have done anything to deserve so much pain.

But here's the reality: God brings (or allows) trials in the lives of 
those He loves, because He wants to give them something precious in 
exchange for the trial. Jacob wrestled with God and got a new identity. 
Joseph endured slavery, slander and prison to become the ruler of the 
land. Job survived Satan's fierce onslaught to discover a God higher and 
a life richer than he had ever known before. Jesus Himself endured the 
cross for the joy that was set before Him.

In our bewildering times, let's hang on to God, and not let Him go, just 
like Jacob did at the break of day. The bank of heaven has opened, and 
God is here; your pain will never be wasted.

Be encouraged!
Dwight


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