HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

Whatever we are in at this time is the place where God has for us, except when we are living in sin. It is not in God's will for us to live in sin. However, whether we are in need or not, God knows exactly where we are, and He cares. One of the common false teachings that are being taught in Christian teachings is that it is not God's will for us to suffer. Those who believe this teaching base their conclusion on God's goodness and love. They are saying that if God is good and loving, He will not let His children suffer; therefore, all sufferings are bad. This teaching seems plausible, but it is not a correct understanding of suffering that is according to the Bible. There are many instances in the Bible where He allowed suffering to fulfill His purposes. For example, God allowed our Lord Jesus to suffer in the hands of the Romans and die on the cross. He also allowed Job to suffer at the hands of Satan. Job said these words, "But He knows where I am going. And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold (Job 23:10)." One of the ways God allows us to suffer is that He is purifying our character. He may be taking away our self-reliance and pride by taking away our comfort. Or, He may be humbling us so that we can turn away from our sins and repent, or He may want us to experience His power so that we can completely rely on Him. 

James 1:2-4 explains well how to handle suffering in our lives. It says, "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." God uses suffering for maturity. We may not like the situations that we are in at this time, whether at work, home, health, or in our relationships, but God may be using our situations to make us grow in our character, teach us something very important about Him and about ourselves, or mature us in our faith in our Lord. There are situations in which the only way to learn to trust in God is through suffering, especially when it is beyond our strength and understanding. 

So, when we are in situations that we do not like at this time, let us continue to trust God, be thankful, and do whatever is good in God's eyes. In due time, we will see the benefit of our situation. We will come forth as pure as gold, as Job said. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) What should be my attitude when I don't like my situation at this time? What are the reasons God allows suffering to His children? What lesson is God teaching me through this devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, When I don't like my current situation, it is easy for me to lose focus, get frustrated, and complain. However, I either respond to my situation negatively or in the way you want me to deal with it. Please help me to trust you, be thankful, and do whatever is pleasing to you in my situation. You are bigger than my situation, and you know it full well. Please give me peace, strength, and wisdom to handle my current situation. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.