Everything Happens For A Reason?

“How can it be possible that everything happens for a reason?  Some things are too painful!”  Has a hurting friend ever said this?  How did you respond?

[box] “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15[/box]

As Christians, our hope isn’t based on feelings and circumstances; it’s based on God’s character, Sovereignty, and unshakable love.

The bright Jewel of heaven went through hell for us.  Why?  Because He’s all about redeeming our broken places.

Look How He Cares

God knows we don’t suffer in a vacuum.  Just days from His death, Jesus took time to love and care for His hurting disciples.  The changeless One wants to do the same for us!  The defender of the innocent, the Father to the fatherless, will make a way where there is no way.  He will redeem, and He will never waste an ounce of His children’s pain.

[box] “He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 [/box]

Look At The Cloud of Witnesses

One of my favorite Bible stories that best illustrates Romans 8:28 (All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose), is the soul-tingling story of Joseph.

Joseph was a young boy when he lost his mother, Rachel, as she gave birth to Joseph’s brother, Benjamin.  Joseph’s siblings hated their father’s favorite, so they threw Joseph into a pit to kill him.  Then, realizing they could get twenty pieces of silver for him, they sold him as a slave to some travelling Ishmaelites.

Look For Wisdom

Joseph’s life consisted of a series of ups and downs; but, most of the ups didn’t surface until he was older.  Joseph’s life reminds us that we need to hold on; our story isn’t over!

God gave Joseph favor and wisdom and made him governor over Egypt.  He revealed to Joseph that there would be a severe famine, so Joseph could get prepared.  The famine struck all the way to Canaan, so Joseph’s brothers journeyed to Egypt for handouts.  Because many years had passed, Joseph’s brother didn’t recognize Joseph in his high position.

Look For Jesus

Joseph became a picture of Christ when Joseph saw his brothers but they didn’t see him.  Although his brothers deserved death, Joseph had compassion on them.  After he revealed himself to them, Joseph forgave and blessed them abundantly.

Through all life’s ups and down, God gave Joseph this powerful perspective:

[box] “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.” Genesis 50:20[/box]

Look Like Jesus

Satan never tires of firing harmful trials and temptations our way; but neither does God get weary of working behind the scenes to redeem, beautify, and strengthen us.

Joseph found God in a closer way through his suffering, and so can we.  What a joy to know that God wants to use everything that happens to us to transform us into the radiant image of His Son.

[box] “No, don’t be afraid, I will continue to take care of you and your children.” Gensis 50:21[/box]