When facing a hard-pressed predicament, ask the Lord, “Did You set this up?” Once you examine the circumstances from that stance, your attention will focus more on your spiritual growth and maturity than on the problem. Of course, you want the matter resolved ASAP, but instead of praying for deliverance as your first defense, pray to hear what the Lord has to say because if He set it up—there’s something He wants you and/or others to learn before you are delivered.
Only You, Lord, can fix this!
Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness (1 Peter 2:2-3, NLT).
Some learning possibilities:
- Walk by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
- Put your trust in the Lord. (Proverbs 3:5)
- Seek God first. (Matthew 6:33)
- Impossible for man; possible for God. (Luke 18:27)
- God’s grace is sufficient. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Your faith will grasp the joy; your fear will grasp the hurt.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy (James 1:2, NLT).
So, why does James tell us to consider our troubles as opportunities for joy? He said that because he knows if we submit to God, hard times will transform us into the likeness of Christ, and anytime our actions reflect the Lord’s, that glorifies Him because of the spiritual advancement it produces.
Lord, did You set this up for Your glory?
© 2022
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