PALESTINE —
Hebrews 12: 10-11 (NIV): Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
We love discussing God's goodness to us, but we forget that part of that goodness involves a certain amount of suffering. I want to remind us of seven reasons why God allows us to suffer:
1. To Discipline us. God's discipline makes us more mature. There is no shortcut to this and God knows it. Verse 10 above also reminds us that discipline makes us holy -- which is God's plan for us.
2. To Humble us. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul says God allows a "thorn in his side" to keep him from becoming conceited. God hates pride, but will lift us up if we will be humble.
3. To Test us. This is the point of the book, Job. God wants the enemy to know our faith is real; he wants us to know our faith is real, and he wants to confirm that our faith is real. How would we ever know if we weren't tested?
4. To Prioritize us. In Numbers 14:34, God tells the Israelites they would suffer for their sins and "know what its like to have me against you." Suffering tends to point us away from sin and toward God.
5. To Strengthen our Faith. James 1: 2-4 says that trials test our faith and develop perseverance. So the trials we face make us stronger. God desires that our faith is strong so we will live by it each day.
6. To Glorify God. In John 9: 1-3, Jesus said a man was born blind so that God would be glorified when he was healed. Everything ultimately works for our good and God's glory.
7. To Prune us. John 15:2 says that God will prune us to make us more fruitful. God's goal for us, while we run the race set before us, is to be humble, mature, righteous, joyful, strong and holy. Some pain is involved in reaching these goals, but with God's help, we can do it. With God's help, we can win the race.
————
Craig Harris is an author, journalist and minister. You can see more of his Bible studies at http://threeminutebiblestudy.blogspot.com
Opinion
February 9, 2013
INSTANT MESSAGE: God Disciplines His Children
- Opinion
-
-
COOKING WITH SIMON: Grapes to grow and grapes to eat
The grapes in the Sabor a Pasion vineyard are really coming along and should be ready to harvest just in time for our Grape Stomp event on July 27. I can’t believe that after three long years of babying the vines and watching them grow that we are finally going to have our first harvest.
- INSTANT MESSAGE: Father’s Day 2013
- LIFE BEHIND THE PINE CURTAINS: What is an American?
-
COOKING WITH SIMON: Crispy, Crusted Almond Fried Chicken
Hot sun and high temperatures usually mean lighter meals like fresh salads and finger foods. And when it comes to meat we know we should stick to the grilled chicken, but speaking of finger food – what about the occasional chicken fingers?
- INSTANT MESSAGE: Trust the Lord with All Your Heart
- LIFE BEHIND THE PINE CURTAIN: Food For Thought
- INSTANT MESSAGE: Memorial Day 2013
-
COOKING WITH SIMON: Food as art
As many of you know I was born in England and immigrated to New Zealand as a child. I was never much of a student when it came to math, science and the usual things.
- LIFE BEHIND THE PINE CURTAIN: A New Wine for Senior Citizens
- INSTANT MESSAGE: The Curse is Broken
- More Opinion Headlines
-
Obama Renews Call for Nuclear Reductions
Raw: Car Jumps Curb in NYC, Injures 8
Obama: 'Lives Have Been Saved' by NSA Programs
Obama: Friction in Afghan Talks No Surprise
Unusual Heat Wave Bakes Alaska
Raw: Massive Protests Fill Brazilian Streets
Raw: German President Welcomes President Obama
Fans Cheer Dramatic Heat Comeback
Raw: Arizona Wildfire Scorches 8 Square Miles
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
