Have you ever wondered why God allows trials and
suffering? In life, when facing painful things or adversity, how should you
seek God’s will? Today’s devotional speaks to trials, suffering and related
content to understand God’s will in hard times and how to experience these
hardships in peace.
The “copperleaf plant, (genus Acalypha), is any of several plants of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), This popular shrub of tropical gardens that has red, blotched reddish brown, and pink foliage is some believe medicinal. It is also known widely as Jacob’s coat and as match-me-if-you-can. It is a native to Polynesia. It reaches about 3 m (10 feet) in height, and one variety attains about 6 m (20 feet).” - Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Did
you know, when the earth is dry, due to a lack of rain. The copperleaf plant tends
to lose its color. This is when the leaves turn more reddish, and even seem
like it is about to die. But this is just for a season. As the drought ends,
the leaves turn back to their beautiful colors again. This is like the trails
of life.
To
many of us, we ask the question, why do trials come to mankind, even me? Today
let us take a closer look at the bigger picture of why God allows bad things to
happen to us and around us.
The
discipline of trials is God's workshop of refining and purifying our souls. It
is said by them of old, "To live such a life, to exert such an influence,
costs at every step effort, self-sacrifice, and discipline."
Because
many people do not understand this concept, they are so easily discouraged in
this life. Even many who sincerely consecrate their lives to God's service are
surprised and disappointed to find themselves, as never before, confronted by
obstacles and beset by trials and perplexities.
They
pray for godlikeness of character, and a fitness for the Lord's work. But when
they are placed in circumstances that seem to call forth all the evil of their
nature.
If
they for a moment take their eyes of the MAKER of the universe, they will fall.
Not that God willed for them to fall. But faults are revealed of which they did
not even suspect they existence. At this point, “Let no one say when he is
tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and
he himself tempts no one.” James 1:13
But,
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.
To
others, they are like Israel of old, always questioning God. They say, "If
God is leading me, why do all these things come upon me?” My friend, don't lose
hope. It is said, “we often fall because, not knowing how to walk, but not
knowing which way to choose.”
― tirumala
God
has promised, in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet
trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces
steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be
perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Lailah Gifty Akita said, “Nothing
trains like the triumph in trials.”
“So
that the tested genuineness of your faith—is more precious than gold that
perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory
and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7
“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.” James 1:2-4
From today, let us learn how to thank GOD for the good times, and bad times. Just say, "Lord, Thank you for your love, for your grace, for your mercy, for your protection, for your guidance, for your kindness, for your blessings in all my trails! Amen!
Remember, if God brings you to
it, HE will bring you through it. Keep your head up today, your test will
become your testimony
I
would like to take a moment to thank you for your prayers for this
ministry. It is my prayer that God may always bless you, and your family. I
welcome your comments. So, write to comments
Why not tune in to our
newest ministry. It’s called, (YOU AND THE WORD). It's aired live on Facebook
live every Friday evening from 7 o’clock, Eastern Standard Time, or 8 o’clock
in Bermuda. YOU AND THE WORD is an open Bible study that you can join into with
your question or comments. Join me and look up Kevin Santucci on facebook
live.
Garden Ministry Devotionals are
written by Chaplain Dr. Kevin J.T. Santucci
Blessings, Blessings, Blessing
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