Why Does Trouble Come? (2)

November 6, 2009

by John Imler
John is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassor and author of It’s Never Too Late

In Proverbs we are warned not to “despise the Lord’s discipline” or “resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12). In the Old Testament, we find story after story about God’s judgment on the ungodly and His discipline of His chosen people Israel.

The Apostle Paul explains why these stories were recorded (Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11). Our Heavenly Father, like our earthly fathers and mothers, disciplines His Children when they go astray.

I recall one of my sons coming home from the neighbors and telling his mother, “Joey’s mom must not love him; she lets him do anything he wants to.” Sometimes trouble comes our way because God is trying to get our attention and discipline us. Unlike some earthly parents, His discipline is always administered in love—a love far greater than that known by any earthly parent (Heb 12:7). For He gave His only son to suffer and die on Calvary’s cross that He might adopt us as His children (Gal. 4:5-7).

So, if you find yourself besieged with trouble, perhaps it is time to seek God’s reason through prayer and Bible reading. It would also be good to do as David did in Psalms 139:23-24 when he cried out for God to search his heart. Ask God to help you see the reason for His discipline.

As I have told in my book It’s Never Too Late – A Prodigal Pastor Returns (www.faithrescued.com), after turning my back on God and becoming an agnostic for 45 years, I personally experienced God’s discipline before returning to His arms. As I now look back on those years, I can see His unbelievable patience with me as He disciplined me through trouble after trouble in my life—but always with His unfathomable love.

Yes, trouble sometimes comes as God seeks to correct our paths and draw us nearer or even back into His adopted family. This discipline is never pleasant and often painful, depending upon the reason for it. However, it is always for our good (Heb. 12:11).

It is also important that we learn from the discipline God allows to come our way, for “whoever heeds correction gains understanding” (Proverbs 15:31-32). We are advised to “consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com

Posted by RVchurchesUSA | Filed Under Spiritual Growth, Uncategorized, ViewPoints 

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