Gain Through Loss

Loving on and encouraging people especially those who are experiencing some type of adversity appears to be my place of value - my ministry. One question that is often asked when going through a tough time is, ""what part does God play in this? Did He cause it? Or did He just allow it? Or has He no part in the etiology of this pain?"

My personal belief: 'God is sovereign - all powerful. All adversity is either caused or allowed by Him. He doesn't promse a stress-free life. He does want to use all that happens to us for our good, the good of others and for His glory. That is why I can accept (most of the time) stuttering, Parkinson's and a nerveless foot that feels like a block of wood. The Bible indicates that God is responsible for some pretty rough times. Look with me at Hosea chapter 6.
1 “Come, let us return to the LORD.
He has torn us to pieces
but he will heal us;
he has injured us
but he will bind up our wounds.
2 After two days he will revive us;
on the third day he will restore us,
that we may live in his presence.
3 Let us acknowledge the LORD;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth.”

"God has torn us that He may heal us." James MacDonald in his book DOWNPOUR, describes "torn" as a word used for a predator that grabs its pprey and shreds it with its sharp teeth, then consumes it. Macdonald states: " Make no mistake!God is behind the hurt in your life. When your life feels torn apart, God has not abandoned you. Far from moving away from you in callousness, He is moving towardyou with compassion for the pain He has allowed. He is totally committed to you as He accomplishes the purposes for that pain."

More in the next blog.