Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Followers of God and of Christ have found themselves in unwanted situations since Biblical times to the present day for a variety of reasons -- not only because of their faith, but also because of their personal choices, the actions of others, or the random nature of life.

God has not promised His followers that life will always be easy or agreeable, but He HAS provided means of dealing with adverse or unpleasant events. These include:

1) faith, based on both God's goodness and omnipotence, and also on our own memory or knowledge of His past faithfulness, that He makes all things work together for good for those who love Him (Romans 8:28);

2) thorough study and knowledge of His word as revealed in the Bible, which contains principles and promises that can be applied to find comfort and hope in every human difficulty;

3) awareness, again based on God's word, that this life and world are not the ultimate reality -- that those whom Christ has redeemed will live with God and share in His glory for an endless eternity -- a future so great that, as Paul said in Romans 8:18, even the most trying difficulties of this life are not worth comparing to it;

4) looking for doors that God may open to you to escape or improve unwanted situations, either through events occurring around you, or through the use of your God-given abilities, as occurred with Joseph when he was imprisoned in Egypt (Genesis 40-41); and

5) using your situation (even if difficult, unplanned, or unwanted) as an opportunity to serve God by sharing your faith and God's love with those around you. Being focused on the physical and spiritual needs of others, and seeing the burdens that they are having to bear, will both divert your mind from becoming preoccupied with your own dissatisfaction, and help you develop and retain a proper perspective on your situation.

October 24 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report