The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from
the LORD. Proverbs
16:33
When
someone refers to their “lot in life,” it usually comes across as a fatalistic
acceptance of whatever trouble they are forced to endure. Some people seem to
be lucky, while others are not. But, some people make their own luck. They
prepare for a situation. They see beyond the immediate circumstance. They
recognize that there are no coincidences in a committed life.
Whether
we look at our lives as purpose-driven or we look at our lives as a crap shoot,
God is the One who is rolling the dice and determining the outcome. This too
could seem quite fatalistic, except that we know God is working for our good
(Romans 8:28). He has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He has a purpose for our
lives (2 Timothy 1:9). But, beyond all of the details of our lives, bumps and
bruises included, God wills one thing for each and every one of us.
Here
is God’s will for you and me: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in
all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1
Thessalonians 5:16-18). Whether things go our way or go the other way, God’s
will for you and me is that we would rejoice, pray and give thanks in all
circumstances. I will admit, there are some circumstances that are hard to give
thanks for. There are situations that are hard to rejoice over. There are times
when it’s hard to pray. But, this is God’s will for us.
It
would be much easier if God’s will was for us to be healthy, wealthy and wise.
If all of the good things that entered our lives were God’s will, we would know
that we were blessed. If bad things came into our lives, we would know that we
needed to straighten up and get our lives back on track. But, here’s the deal:
“[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). When it rains, we all get wet.
So,
let’s be honest, when have we grown the most, in good times or in bad? For most
of us, the hardships of life have produced far more growth than the easy times.
When we face problems, we are more diligent in prayer. We are more careful to
remember and recite the goodness of God. Our past victories give us hope for
the future. God is far more concerned about our character than our comfort.
What
are you depressed about today? What can you rejoice about instead? What are you
worried about today? Anything you think about more than three times a day is a
worry. Pray about it instead (Philippians 4:6-7). What are you complaining about today? What
can you give thanks for instead?
Is
your car broken down? Thank God that you have a car. Are your water pipes
leaking? Thank God that you have clean, running water. Many people in the world
do not. (To get involved, check out the work of Water of Life at
givefreshwater.org).
James
wrote a sentence that is more than a little challenging to accept: “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”
(James 1:2-4).
That
thing that is bothering you just might be the way that God is working in your
life today.
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