A Life That Pleases God

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Going the Distance   CURRENT TV SERIES A Life That Pleases God

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. --Romans 8:18 There are times in life when we just have a hard time understanding “why.” I think about a friend I have who lost a child in a tragic accident. I think about those who are sick and hungry around the world with little hope for relief. Yet others whom we see as less innocent seem to prosper. And it’s in those times when many people wonder “why” that they can often feel disheartened or disillusioned with their faith. “If God is good,” they ask, “then why would He allow an innocent person to suffer like that?” This is a reasonable question provoked by very real emotions. And the truth is, there’s an answer – but it may not be the one many would like to hear. The world is fallen. And because of that, there will be suffering until Christ returns. Children will still die. People will go hungry. And often, others who seem less deserving will prosper. The world will be wrought with injustice until the Justifier returns to bring back order. So what can we do? Well, we persevere. We allow suffering and hardship to create a thirst in us for the day when all suffering will end. We keep an eye on the sky waiting for Christ to usher in His Kingdom on earth. We hold on… because help is coming. HOLD ON THROUGH SUFFERING, AND LONG FOR THE DAY WHEN CHRIST BRINGS AN END TO ALL PAIN!

We Can Trust God’s Plan
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
by Dr. Paul Chappell

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”

Psalm 82:8–11

Because our human wisdom and understanding is limited, even our best we attempt to plan for the future is flawed. Our most carefully laid plans are subject to failure. In contrast, God already knows the end, not only of the path we are on, but of every path we could have taken that would have changed the outcome. If we are willing to listen to His Word and the Holy Spirit who lives within us, He offers guidance and blessings. One of the most difficult things for us to do is to trust God’s timing. When we do not see Him at work, we are tempted to doubt that He knows or cares about us, but He always does.

Andrew Murray wrote, “He knows when we are spiritually ready to receive the blessing to our profit and His glory. Waiting in the sunshine of His love is what will ripen the soul for His blessing. Waiting under the cloud of trial that breaks in showers of blessings, is as needful. Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious. God waited 4000 years, till the fullness of time, ere He sent His Son. Our times are in His hands; He will avenge His elect speedily; He will make haste for our help, and not delay one hour too long.”

Today's Growth Principle:
Since God knows the way ahead and we do not, we must trust His guidance and provision.