One thing I've heard from others recently is confusion about God's role in their life. Its made my heart sore that many believe the Lord brings us into dark times, into trials, into tribulations, so that we may see the light at the end of the tunnel. People see God as a lightning bolt throwing God. However, I believe this to be one extremely common misconception that the enemy uses to twists our hearts away from truth. God does not want harm, anxiety, anger, depression, alcoholism, sickness, blindness, homelessness, addictions, or even death to come into your life. He is a loving God, He does not mean you harm. I'll make it easy for you. Here's one of the most well known verses in the Bible.
John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."
So what I see is my worth: God sent His only son for me— to be SAVED. So why in the world would He save us, then bring us into dark times?? Easy answer.
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Get it?? Jesus didn't come so that we would be tested, brought down by sicknesses, by hurts, by fears, so that we may see the light at the end of the tunnel. He IS the light. He IS our salvation. He's there with us through everything, holding out His hand, ready for us to turn towards Him, and hold on with a poor spirit. (Poor meaning we have nothing, absolutely nothing but Him to lean on). So what in turn does the word say comes to lead us down the paths of tribulations? The enemy. The thief. Satan. You name it, that's the lil itty bitty punk of a devil that tries to twist and turn your heart until you are so lost you believe you are worthless. He wants to steal our identity, kill us before we have a relationship with the Lord, and destroy all hope for the rest of us.
But the crazy thing is: The enemy knows who God is, his power, his mercy, his love. He knows the Lord's promises. James 2:19 "Even the demons believe, and shudder!" Yet they still are out for our destruction. So anytime you witness a trial or tribulation, you feel fear, worthlessness, anxiety, know that those things do not come from the Lord: they come from the enemy who seeks to kill you.
But the awesome thing is: we can combat the enemy!!! The Lord's equipped us, all we have to do is have faith in Him. So next time you have a wreck, use the enemy's deceitfulness to witness to the other person, instead of show anger over the destruction of something materialistic. God will provide. Next time you are sick, pray to your Heavenly Father, as well as get other's to pray for you, because it says in John 14:14 "Whatever you ask in my name I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the son." God will heal. Next time you have a debt you have to pay, remember how much money the Lord has- infinite! If you serve Him, that account will be made new in His name. God will provide. Next time a friend turns their back on you, see it as just one more way to use yourself as an example of Christ's love: walk in love, kill them with kindness. Love is a disease! It will latch on to anyone you come in contact with. If you walk in love, you can never be hurt. God will heal. Next time you get caught in a lie, confess. Jesus forgives in an instant, and puts it in the past. As Dan Mohler says, "What the blood of Jesus forgives, the body of Jesus removes. Every day we walk as if we never ate from the tree." God will forgive.
James 1:2-8 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
So anytime you sense something opposite of goodness, peace, comfort, rest, love, it is not from the Lord. Yes the Lord is there with us, and we grow from those trials and tribulations when we choose him at the end, but he does not lead us there. He loves us. He wants nothing but goodness, prosperity, and to give us blessings. So be weary and pray to be able to discern goodness from twisted deceit, for the enemy will try anything to get into your heart. Focus on the good that comes out of the tribulations, the moment where you turn toward the Lord for your help.
