Adversity can bring us closer to God

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “You are not alone”

Our Bible verse for today: “We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Adversity can bring us closer to God”

When we say that God is “Sovereign” we mean that He reigns and rules over all creation. He has absolute power over every person and over every situation. He has a comprehensive plan for world history, and He rules the destiny of both men and nations. Since He has the power to intervene at will and put a stop to anything at any time, everything that happens is either caused directly by Him, or in His divine wisdom He chooses to allow it to happen.

That being the case, we can wonder why God allows bad things to happen to good people. The Apostle Paul is a case in point. Few people have suffered more for the cause of Christ than Paul did. He gave up his profession, his income, his home, and his friends to be obedient to the call of God. He then suffered non-stop opposition, was criticized constantly, he was chased, arrested, beaten, left for dead, shipwrecked, bitten by a snake, and much more.

Why did God allow those things to happen to Paul? Why does He allow things like that to happen to any of us? Well, if you know Paul’s story, then you know that everything Paul suffered was used by God to make him even more effective for the cause of Christ. Paul’s perseverance, tenacity, and faithfulness made his message even more powerful.

I once had a close friend who was fighting cancer. At one point, she endured a rather radical surgery to cut the cancer out and she then went through extensive radiation treatments. But through it all she was bright and perky, smiling and positive. When you were with her, she wanted to talk about you and others, not about herself. And through it all she praised God.

She was an inspiration. God used her sickness for His purposes – and He did so in a powerful and memorable way. (By the way, that was years ago and today my friend remains cancer free, but her faith is much stronger because of her ordeal, and she has a powerful testimony as well.)

Another reason God allows us to experience suffering and challenges is to remind us that this world is not our home. In this world there is sickness and suffering, but in heaven there will be none of that. When we experience trials and sufferings now, they simply serve to direct our thoughts to our God and to our future home. God will get us through this current situation, and eventually there will be no more “current situations.” In heaven, where this is all leading us, everything will be perfect. That’s what is waiting for us.

Adversity can serve to draw us closer to God and strengthen our faith as well. When that happens, it reminds us that we are never forsaken by God and His plan is good and perfect.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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