What broadens your horizons? When I think back- stretching circumstances are what have really increased my vision and gave me greater understanding of what God and life are trying to teach me. I am thankful for those hard growing times in retrospect. Without the pain and suffering there is little growth.
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"Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy envy and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good." 1 Peter 2:1-3 (NIV)
Satan, the father of lies, would love to discourage and turn your circumstance into the path of your destruction. If you're already sick he will try to tell you you're sick because God simply doesn't care about you. What a bold faced lie! Do not even give that a second thought. Because God loves you He promises to be with you through everything this ole life will throw at you.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. " Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
Yes, before your life is over all kinds of circumstances will be part of what molds your life. Some of those events will occur because of your sin or someone else's sin. For example you over indulge in food, soon you're heavier than you ever dreamed you could be. (Hey- that's me, I love to eat.) Soon that weight causes diabetes, cancer, or heart disease.
Someone else's sin may give you and your family a grievous circumstance. For example an impaired driver may unintentionally cause a severe accident which completely destroys your way of life. What if someone kills the very person you love more than life? How you react to any circumstance in life defines who you really are.
None of us are exempt from life, therefore we must all trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding. Without total trust and comfort in Christ we can not be truly at peace, or happy in life. If you're not there yet, it's okay and even normal. Just remember every trial in life is a gift from God to help teach you to lean on Him. You must choose; choose wisely, (Obey His Will for your happiness and growth!) ;D Your life in Christ is a journey. He who has begun a good work in you will complete it, but you must be willing to work with Him.
Finally, I pray we will all be able to say as Paul did-
"...for I have learned to be content in whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I CAN DO EVERYTHING THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH." Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
Paul said this after many physical problems, imprisonment and many other trials. In life, love and grief God purifies us into His beautiful workmanship. Some of the most cherished precious people have endured the worst of life, but have been refined into His purest gold. Let the hard times melt you into God's love for His glory!
