Uniontown Church of Christ     

     There is probably nothing more perplexing and challenging to the Christian than attempting to understand why bad this happen; especially when they happen to those who are of the family of God.  The truth is we may never know the "why's" this side of heaven.  Examine the account of Job and you will see that God never gives the answer as to why all the calamity; however, He does tell us that the Creator of all is on our side to aid in our healing and growing through adversity.

     Perhaps the handling of adversity is one of the greatest means by which a Christian's life can be a witness of the power of God to the world.  The following article was provided by a dear brother in Christ from Chennai, India, G. David Illankumaran.  Contained therein are examples taken directly from scripture attesting to the fact that good things can come out of the most devastating times, if one relies on God.

"When Bad Things Happen"

     One thing to remember when bad things happen to God’s people – Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Not all that happens to us is good, but all things can work out for good if we will patiently look at it from the right perspective.

     Can good come out of devastating things and deeds? Yes, consider these:

The Lord’s Crucifixion

     Isaiah 53:11 "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities." Without this horrible injustice, we could not be saved.

The Evil Brothers of Joseph Sold Him Into Slavery

     What did Joseph say about this evil deed years later?  Examine Gen. 50:19, 20, "And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God? But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

     Joseph’s great faith, noble character, and magnificent patience and courage would have never been brought to light, if this evil deed, and the sufferings that ensued never took place!

Persecution

     In Acts 8:1-5, "And Saul was consenting unto his death (that is Stephen, see Acts ch. 7). And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria . . . As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them..."

     The very thing that Satan was using in an attempt to destroy the church, caused the church to grow!

Physical Weaknesses

     II Corinthians 12:7-10, "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.  For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong."

     The apostle Paul came to the realization that through his weaknesses and persecutions, the glory of Christ was revealed to those around him; therefore, he rejoiced in them.

Trials, Temptations & Tribulations

     James 1:2-4, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

     I Pet. 1:5-7, "[W]ho are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

     The temptations of the devil bring out the great character of those who love God (I Corinthians 10:13; Philippians 4:13). Just as the darkness brightens the flickering stars.

     Reader’s Digest, August 1962, pg. 63; "Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men." For example, the awful trials, responsibilities, and heartaches thrust upon Lincoln by the Civil War did not MAKE his noble and truly great character; they simply unveiled it to the eyes of men. His magnificent character was attained through the lean, long, weary years BEFORE he became the President!

Heresies, Factions, or Parties In The Church

     I Corinthians 11:19, "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you."

     Dissentions and difficulties cause us to "plainly recognize" those who are "genuine and of approved fitness" and "sound." Trials within the body are helpful to reveal the true character of the individual members of it. We learn who we can count on to be true!

"Giant" Problems In Life

      I Samuel 17:32-37, "And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine.  And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth.  And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock:  And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.  David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee."

David had faith to overcome the giant, because he had a history! Many times there’s a purpose for our difficulties!

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