Why is This Happening to Me?
The following is taken from Ken Sande’s book, The PeaceMaker.
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Ken Sande, The PeaceMaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Grand Rapids:Baker Books, 2004, p.63.
“The fact that God is good does not mean that he will insulate us from all suffering. Rather it means that he will be with us in our suffering and accomplish good through it (Isa. 43:2-3). We have already seen several ways that God can use trials and difficulties for good. He often uses them to bring glory to himself by displaying his goodness, power, and faithfulness (e.g., John 9:1-5; 11:1-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). J.I. Packer writes, ‘We see that he leaves us in a world of sin to be tried, tested, belaboured by troubles that threaten to crush us–in order that we may glorify him by our patience under suffering, and in order that he may display the riches of his grace and call forth new praises from us as he constantly upholds and delivers us.’
“God also uses our trials to teach us how to minister to others when they are suffering (2 cor. 1:3-5). Through our trials, we can set an example that will encourage others to depend on God and remain faithful to his commands (2 Cor. 1:6-11). In doing so, we are passing on the example given by Christ:
If you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. …When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. …So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good. (1 Peter 2:20, 23; 4:19)
“By allowing us to suffer insults, conflict and other hardships, God teaches us to rely more on him (2 Cor. 1:9; 12:710). When we suffer the unpleasant consequences of our sins, he will show us our need for repentance (Ps. 119:67-71). In addition, God uses difficulties to conform us to the likeness of Christ (Rom. 8:28-29). The trials he gives us require that we practice the character qualities that will make us like our Lord.”
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To read more about the responses or about peace making get a copy of Ken Sande’s book, The Peacemaker:A Biblical Guide to Resolving Conflict.
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