Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Predicaments, Perseverence, Prayer, and Praise

Life throws me curves.  But, none of them come without the permission of a loving God.  We often hear the lament of how could a loving God allow (or even cause) bad things to happen. I'm still coming to grips with my understanding of that.  While I do not believe that God causes problems, I do believe that because I have committed my life to Him, he filters the things that come into my life. So, why am I in this predicament?

God knows the way out, and this is my opportunity to trust Him.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.          James
If I didn't have anything left to learn, I suspect that God would be finished with me... and everyone who knows me knows how silly that thought is. No stranger would dare suspect as much, either.

So, the answer comes in praying for answers. How do we get out of this one, Lord? Because I surely cannot do it alone. And, He promises to lead the way. The struggle comes in not always wanting the answer He provides.

More importantly, finding a heart of praise in the midst of suffering may be the greatest lesson of all.  I'm working very hard on that one.