Loading ...
“Thank God for Trials”
… give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Jerome T. writes:
Trials are common occurrences, and God’s children are not exempt. Psalms 34:19 tells us, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
There are many times when I cannot change my circumstances, but I have learned two things: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalms 46:1), and I do have a choice about how I respond.
I can become depressed and angry; I can blame God. There have been many times when I have asked: “God, why is this happening to me; don’t You know I deserve better?”
God got my attention when I was faced with a series of trials, starting with my wife being diagnosed with breast cancer.
I realized my bad attitude was consuming me like cancer was consuming her. I had head knowledge of some Scriptures dealing with trials, but they had not become a heart experience.
After each trial, I could look back and see how it had been a blessing in disguise. All things really had worked together for my good, as stated in Romans 8:28. I was ashamed to keep asking God to forgive me for my initial responses, which were never according to Scripture.
Over a period of months, my loving heavenly Father patiently performed “surgery” on me, removing the cancer in my heart. My bad attitude slowly turned into gratitude as I came to a better understanding of these verses.
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (Psalms 34:4).
I can now thank God for cancer!
I’ve actually written a book, THANK GOD FOR CANCER!, in which I share how God used the Bible and trials to transform my life and marriage.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:32 am
Jerome, thanks for sharing so vulnerably.
I have to admit, the phrase “thank God for cancer” triggers me. I’ll have to sit with what’s stirring inside me when I read that phrase. Thanks for that stirring; I trust God has something for me in that.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your perspective and experience. Blessings to you and your wife.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:48 am
Dear Jerome T.:
What a profound title of your masterpiece “Thank God for Cancer”!
The Testaments are replete with THANKS by His afflicted servants, who assure us that God would endow us with His grace to do His Will and His Commandments through the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Jesus took the “bread” and the “cup” and gave THANKS for the New Covenant in His blood. (Luke 21:17-20.)
From my own humble experiences, it is easy to preach a theoretically beautiful sermon, but it is only when I glorify His wondrous works in me of my joys as well as trials, tribulations and sorrows of life that have touched my listeners, and thus enlighten them to see and follow His Way.
Truly, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)
From the beginning of time, “And the LORD appeared…and said, I am the God of your Father Abraham; Do not fear, for I am with you, I will bless you….”(Genesis 26:24); to the end of time:
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kindom.” (Luke 12:32).
Thank you, and
May GOD ALL MIGHTY Bless you and yours;
GODSPEED with your book and work, always and forevermore!
Mary Sun.