“This is My doing.” (1 Kings 12:24)
The struggles of life come in many forms, whether it be a prodigal child, unemployment, illness, or the loss of a loved one. We all suffer because we live in a world that is tarnished with sin.
There are many hot-fueled emotions, however, about whether God causes this pain or if He simply allows it to touch our lives. 1 Kings 12:24 says, “This is my doing.”
We all long to believe in a God who comforts us and has a lap we can curl up into. We do not always want to think of God as a Father who must also use discipline, even when it is painful. As parents, however, discipline is not punishment. It is a tool to raise our children to be more Christ-like, just as God desires us to be.
Coping with my own disease, I have chosen not to think of my illness as Satan’s doing, because it is in fact, a part of my identity. My weakness is God’s strength. I find the most comfort in trusting that God has always and fully been in control. My illness is not Satan’s brainstorm with God being expected to make something out of the leftovers. Since I was formed in the wound, God knew rheumatoid arthritis would be a part of who I am.
Jesus is a man of many sorrows and familiar with suffering (Isaiah 53:3). Despite them, He always turned to God to talk about them, asking for strength, comfort, and even for the cup to pass.
Regardless of where the source of our struggles come from, we must follow Christ’s example and always turn to God because this is His doing.
Prayer: Father, help me to know that though I may not know the reasons behind my sufferings, You are always there to comfort me and that the situation has never once been out of Your sight.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and the author of “How to Start a Chronic Illness Small Group Ministry.” You can read more about this book at http://startasmallgroup.com . It’s packed full of 320 pages of information to help you decide if a HopeKeepers illness support group is in your future and where to go from the calling to the practical steps.
Thanks for today’s message. I needed that. The thought of the lemonade stand has really been hitting me. It was like God got through to me that I need to accept the lemons and ask Him to help me make lemonade. Then I can be closer to building a lemonade stand. Thanks!
Lisa, I believe that Satan may have a part in some of our suffering, as with Job’s example, but God is ultimately in control. His loving plan for His children may well include pain, deformities and the lack of understanding on the part of others. Thankfully, as you say here, He uses our weakness to showcase His strength.
This is what I hope I basically live for – to glorify, to magnify, to lift up our great God. I’m certainly working with Him in this project. If it takes ADD, OCD, and osteo-arthritis to accomplish this in my life, it may be (and is) hard, but so be it. One day, when I better understand his plan (in Heaven), I’ll be glad.
Thanks sister!
I havw been a Christan since hs 1975 with quite a few stumbles along the way but am fully forgiven!!! Thank God for HIs Generous Mercy!!! I am a lowly sinner like everyone else still committed 100% to Jesus and always will be and as long as it takes to be purified on this rocky road in this life. Rejopicing all the way and whimpering on the rocks because of how long far I have to go but will continue the fight no matter what it costs me…HE IS THE ONLY WAY and I’m not getting off this road to Glory someday at his timing of this little life that lives big hearted down here. Many fellow sojourners along the way have gone with me or before me! I delight in HIM! My soul sings continual PRAISE for all HE HAS DONE for me.
Multiple Sclerosis has been a real training ground for me as I struggle for my voice to be heard amongst all the noise and challenges of life. I cannot complain. HE has given me so much Joy I can hardly contain it! He is worth it and I will contionue the journey to Him and His Heart. I will only serve HIM wholehartedly as I totally bow down before HIM! It is so very sweet to sing praises to HIM!
This devotion is lovely! Beth, I like the way you answered. This indeed may have been part of Satan’s plan, but ultimately-GOD is in control, and nothing can get to us that does not first have to pass through HIS hand. He ALLOWS things to come into our lives, and it is usually in our need that we seek Him, so we should rejoice in our weakness because it draws us closer to Him.
One of my biggest struggles has been the reaction of other people to my illness-(just like JOB). Either cornered by people who tell me I’ve brought it on myself, or people who lay hands on me for healing, who when I am NOT healed tell me my faith isn’t strong enough, or people just flat out not believing in my illness (fibromyalgia-lots of DOCTORS don’t believe in it), because I look so normal. I’m so glad I found this site, I plan on looking through old and new posts for better ways to deal with this. Thanks Lisa, for the wonderful blog! HUGS~TK
Teresa: My heart goes out to you! Because I’ve had several friends with fibromyalgia I know how misunderstood those who have it can be. As if living with it isn’t tough enough eh? Words can hurt so much. My prayer for you is that God will give you the grace to truly know, beyond a doubt, that He fully understands and suffers with you. Also, that it’s what He thinks that really matters.
Blessings my friend.
Thank you Beth<3