Sometimes, we look at the circumstances of our life and feel like we have been flat out, down out—-BEAT.
Exhausted, frustrated and bewildered, we cry out to God, “Whyyyyyy?”
So, what happened to living the “abundant life” that we hear so much about? Where are the blessings and the prosperity?
Is God mad at me? What have I done wrong?
When we study the scriptures; there are far more references to overcoming, conquering, standing strong, working hard and being responsible than there are about comfort and abundance.
In the Old Testament, we see the patriarchs rising above hardship, tragedy and, often times, even their own shortcomings, to emerge as mighty people of God.
In the book of Job, we see a righteous man taken from prosperity to the depths of suffering and back to prosperity; illustrating God’s sovereignty through circumstance. The New Testament saints were beaten, persecuted and lived in poverty so that the knowledge of Christ could be spread throughout the world.
Satan’s goal is to separate me from my Lord; making me unable to worship and impotent to wittness. Whether the devil chooses the tools of temptation, sickness, circumstances or bitterness; his ultimate goal is to lessen my relationship with Jesus and silence my testimony.
Make note that satan’s success relies on my participation in his plans! Satan can try to influence me but he can not control me! Satan wants me to be (or think I’m) a failure, a loser, a quitter; he wants me to have nothing good. The devil’s plan for my life is exactly the opposite of what God wants. (John 10:10)
God’s plan IS for me to prosper, be a success, a winner. (Jeremiah 29:11) BOTH God’s plan and satan’s plan require MY active participation. Which plan I participate in is up to me!
We serve God faithfully, even through hard times, because we know satan’s schemes and we choose to walk strong in Jesus. (II Corinthians 2:11)
When bad things happen, God has a plan to turn even the worst circumstances to our favor. (Genesis 50: 18-20) God’s plan is to use everything that happens in our life to work to our good. Romans 8:28 doesn’t say everything that happens in our life will feel good at the moment. But, rather that all things work FOR our good.
Life is a preparation for eternity, where we will rule and reign with Christ. So, stand strong, be responsible, work hard (Colossians 3:23) and live for Jesus no matter what.
II Corinthians 4:16-18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.