As mentioned before, one of the biggest misconceptions about what God is doing in this world is that He desires to make this world a little slice of Heaven by fixing all our problems. But we know that is not true from many things He has told us such as those that trust Him are likely to experience trials (problems) because of their faith. We see examples of that throughout the New Testament and we see that happening today for many Christians around the world just because of their faith in the Bible. God has told us that if we trust Him, we will find peace, provision and purpose only God can provide. But sometimes that is peace in the storm, not peace from the storm.
What we know:
- God calls Himself our Father. A wise and loving parent puts long term character ahead of short term happiness as in our 6-year-old story because that is what true loves does. That parent is always looking to help us have a better life. Some people don’t have a good example of a wise and loving father and hopefully can picture how it should have been or maybe a replacement person such as a good coach or teacher.
- The early Church, the ones that saw Jesus in action or got to hear directly from those that did, went through severe persecution, but they were very willing to do as described in Acts 5 & 8.
- You will find peace, provision and purpose that only God can provide. But, it might come in ways completely different than you would think. Few people are called to be a Mother Teresa, but she had the experience of changing the lives of tens of thousands of disadvantaged children – what could be more rewarding… But when you learn that it is better to give than receive, you are on path.
- God works out things for our good. That is the parents of the 6-year-old. They used natural consequences of rejected advice to mature their child’s character.
- God tells us that if we trust Him, that we will experience a taste of Heaven, but also that our primary hope is our eternity in Heaven.
Bible references:
- John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (If you have not already, review the FAQ on Heaven which is greatly misunderstood and where those that trust God will spend eternity)
- Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.
- Psalms 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
- Acts 8:3-4 But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.
- Act 5:40-41 and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name.
- Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.
- Isaiah 26:3 The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You.
- Isaiah 40:31 Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
- John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
- Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for your good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
- Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
- 1 Peter 1:3-4 According to his great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in Heaven for you