The Joy in Adversity

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CURRENT RADIO SERIES Songs of Encouragement   CURRENT TV SERIES Songs of Encouragement

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 Most of us have an innate sense of justice and fairness within us, don’t we? We have the idea, and it’s a good idea, that when we do the right thing that good results will follow. Now, you and I may also have the idea that if someone does the wrong thing then failure or punishment will follow. But things don’t always work that way do they? It certainly didn’t work that way in the life of Joseph. In the Old Testament we read that he was mistreated and misrepresented and even sent to prison, but not for doing the wrong thing, but because he did the right thing. Joseph is an extraordinary example of someone who responded with faithfulness to God and to his convictions in spite of unfair circumstances. Whether he was going through adversity or prosperity, Joseph responded with faithfulness toward God. Can you say that? Well, no doubt most of us would choose to avoid adversity if given the choice. But it’s precisely these moments that draw us closer to God. Difficult times have a way of focusing our need for God like no other time can. If you’re going through adversity follow Joseph’s example. Call on the name of the Lord! Don’t focus on the problem but turn your eyes upon him and he will give you the strength to endure and to glorify him! DIFFICULT TIMES HAVE A WAY OF FOCUSING ON OUR NEED FOR GOD THAT NO OTHER TIMES CAN.

The Torment of Not Forgiving

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”
Matthew 18:32–35

When Peter asked how often he had to forgive someone who had wronged him, apparently seeking to limit the extent of forgiveness, Jesus responded with the parable of a king who was owed a massive sum by one of his servants. Instead of demanding the repayment that was rightly his, he freely forgave the debt, giving the man new hope for his future. But the servant who was forgiven was also owed a debt. Rather than extending the same grace he had been shown, he demanded full repayment, grabbing the man by the throat and throwing him into jail.
Forgiveness is one of the issues that many Christians struggle with, because to truly forgive someone from the heart, we have to take our hands away from their throats and give up our right to insist that they get what is coming to them. Many hold grudges for years rather than take this important step. The problem is that when we do not forgive, it has far greater consequences for us than to the person who has wronged us. It harms our health both spiritually and physically when we insist on carrying the weight of past offenses. And as severe as the consequences on human relationships are, a failure to forgive destroys our close fellowship with God. “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

Forgiveness isn’t changing the past; it is letting God be the judge of the past and freeing yourself for a brighter future.