A man may be perfected through suffering or be made worse through suffering; it depends on his disposition.
“Right time, right place” is a phrase commonly used to indicate good fortune. Conversely, “wrong time, wrong place” is often used to describe an unfortunate outcome or tragedy. Both of these imply coincidence, luck, or fate rather than direction at the hand of our sovereign Lord. When it comes to God’s sovereignty and planning, people readily accept that our Creator is directly responsible for placing us in circumstances that we view as a blessing or useful service to God and man. However, there is a great reluctance to include the difficult circumstances in life as God ordained placement, equipping, refinement, or calling home. To put it another way, God is often seen as decidedly directing blessings, but assuming a reactionary role in trials. Nevertheless, while God does not perpetrate evil, He resolutely creates each person, actively directs the course of their lives and decisively places them to accomplish His purposes. Therefore, as the verse above indicates, we (both God fearing and wicked) are all created with purpose and equipped accordingly and Esther was no exception.
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Once again the celebration of Easter is upon us. This often entails Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter services that include special choral numbers and solos. While I have participated in the past, appreciate the artistry, and do not doubt the faith or the worship of those involved, I’m not a fan of those services. I much prefer more quiet times of worship that offer opportunities of introspection, a greater understanding the sacrifice of our Savior and of God, or a call to draw near to God in unified worship. It’s not that I am opposed to celebrating Easter, it’s just that I prefer to do it by focusing on the need for salvation, the reconciliation that Christ’s sacrifice provides, the broader scope of redemption, and the glory of God.
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When Marie and I first moved to Chattanooga, we lived on Lookout Mountain. With respect to the greater area, it was known as the place where “old money” lived; that is, those with established wealth resided there. While not everyone was wealthy, there were plenty of large houses and mansions as well as expensive cars. Consequently, when we purchased a home, we chose to move into the valley which not only allowed us to purchase a better home for less money, but also made it easier to be content with what God had provided for us. While I recognized at that time that coveting and the resulting lack of contentment were weaknesses of mine, God has used the various trials of life, especially my illness, to teach me about contentment and that it is, in fact, a choice. When it comes to that choice, there are three options that can cause us to readily abandon contentment: entitlement, anger, and worry.
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As I write, facilitate support groups, council, and discuss my own situation, the subject of God’s work to refine, shape and equip is always a significant topic. While I certainly don’t enjoy the pain and suffering associated with my health issues or the negative impacts of them on my family members, I rejoice in what I have endured due to the changes that they have brought in my life…especially my spiritual life. Whether it is physical, spiritual or mental pain, I know that God is at work refining me and perfecting me…especially when I choose to cooperate with the process rather than fighting it. I rejoice because God desires that I be more like Christ and adequately equipped for each task that He has planned for me. God in His love and mercy is continually at work to mold me into the man that He envisioned before time. (Ephesians 1:4) I also trust that He is doing the same for you.
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