Confidence for Troublesome Times

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By Charles Stanley , Christian Post Contributor
November 4, 2012|10:53 am

Romans 8:28-31

During difficult times, I cling to the Lord's promise that He is in complete control. This comforting truth is a reminder that nothing is left to chance. It also takes away the pressure to try and control life. Yet at the same time, knowing that God has ultimate authority can leave us wondering why He would allow our painful circumstances.

Friends, I wish I had an easy answer. Truthfully, the Lord's ways are beyond our ability to understand. However, we have certain assurances that help us endure:

Some difficulty is the direct result of sin. Just as loving parents train their children, God teaches us from our mistakes.
The Lord promises to work all things for our good. There's a far bigger picture than what we can see, and God weaves circumstances together in beautiful ways.
Trials are often necessary to draw us close to the Lord. As a pastor, I have seen many Christians with comfortable lives become self-reliant. Slowly, these believers drift away from a close relationship with the Living Water. They become spiritually dehydrated but fail to recognize their need.
Our loving Father allows trials so that we will stay near to Him. We can be confident in difficulty when we rest in the fact that Jesus is in complete control, and He works everything out for our good.

From our perspective, life sometimes seems to fall apart. Using spiritual vision rather than our human ability to understand, we know God is in control. He promises to use our circumstances for good, and He will strengthen and guide us in every step. Take heart and trust.

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Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2012
All Rights Reserved.
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