I've been pondering Sunday's sermon on James 4:13-17. All that happens in our lives is the will of God as ordained by His sovereignty and carried out by His providence. So our attitude should be "as the Lord wills" not just in our speech but in how we live day to day.
But what happens when the providence is bitter? I think this is where James' theme of genuine faith comes in. Genuine faith isn't faith in a situation working out according to my plans. Genuine faith banks on the character of God, no matter what.
Very often when we get good news, we acknowledge that God is merciful and good. And yes, we should praise Him. But He hasn't stopped being good or merciful when it's a bad report. The circumstance may take us to the brink, yet His character hasn't changed. Genuine faith clings to the truth that "He changes not" even when the ground gives way.
Here's a beautiful quote from John G. Paton. He became a widower twice and lost all his children to illness on the mission field. His life was threatened countless times from those he sought to bring to Christ. He suffered misunderstanding from believers. So these words come from one who has experienced deep pain and suffering and found a bedrock on which to rest.
But what happens when the providence is bitter? I think this is where James' theme of genuine faith comes in. Genuine faith isn't faith in a situation working out according to my plans. Genuine faith banks on the character of God, no matter what.
Very often when we get good news, we acknowledge that God is merciful and good. And yes, we should praise Him. But He hasn't stopped being good or merciful when it's a bad report. The circumstance may take us to the brink, yet His character hasn't changed. Genuine faith clings to the truth that "He changes not" even when the ground gives way.
Here's a beautiful quote from John G. Paton. He became a widower twice and lost all his children to illness on the mission field. His life was threatened countless times from those he sought to bring to Christ. He suffered misunderstanding from believers. So these words come from one who has experienced deep pain and suffering and found a bedrock on which to rest.
Whatever trials have befallen me on my Earthly Pilgrimage, I have never had the trial of doubting that perhaps, after all, Jesus had made some mistake. No! My blessed Lord Jesus makes no mistakes! When we see all His meaning, we shall then understand, what now we can only trustfully believe that all is well - best for us, best for the cause most dear to us, best for the good of others and for the glory of God.
That is a very true and beautifully edifying quote. Thank you, Persis!
ReplyDeleteSeems those who bless the body the most are often the ones who have been crushed the most. This is a very beautiful expression of faith in the goodness & sovereignty of God in the face of great trial.
ReplyDelete"Genuine faith isn't faith in a situation working out according to my plans. Genuine faith banks on the character of God, no matter what."
ReplyDeleteLoved that. Where we put the emphasis is often the difference between pleasing ourselves or pleasing God.
Thank you, Persis.
-E