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

In my opinion, Paul is saying that, although the Christian's life is not guaranteed to be easy or free of trouble (and, in fact, may result in problems for a believer just by virtue of following Christ -- as Jesus told His followers it would (Matthew 10:22; John 15:18-19) -- instead of conforming to the desires or interests of "the world"), nothing happens to a Christian without God's permissive will.

For this reason, and because of the love that God has shown in Christ, and the forgiveness and eternal life that He has made possible through Him, it is God's will and desire that Christians always give thanks to Him, not just when things are going well from their time-bound, limited, earthly perspective, but also when apparent misfortune befalls them, since God has promised that He can make what seem to Christians to be even the most adverse circumstances to result in their good -- if not in this life, then as the basis for everlasting rewards in eternity-- as long as believers use those times of trouble to draw them closer to God, and to deepen their faith.

November 26 2016 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report