God Is In The Hard Stuff

Why, God, Why?


When things are going well in you life, everything seems good with the world:
> The sun shines brighter.
> The flowers are more fragrant.
> People smile as they pass by you.
> There is a vacant parking spot for you directly in front of Starbucks.

Of course, things aren't really that way, but that's how they seem to you because you're feeling good about your situation.
When your circumstances turn south, though, there seems to be an odd confluence with the rest of the cosmos. Everything seems to sour simultaneously:
> You get soaking wet after being caught in a freak rain storm.
> You get a flat tire and don't get have a jack in the trunk.
> Everyone who crosses your path is in a foul mood.
> After waiting fifteen minutes in the drive-thru at Starbucks, you are informed that they are out of coffee.

These are trivial illustrations of how your perspective is corrupted when you are forced to endure a tragic circumstance or a particularly hard situation. But more than your attitude is affected by adversity. your spiritual equilibrium can also be thrown off kilter. Often, the frustration that accompanies your hardship leads to a spiritua misconception: God has abandoned you. While this isn't true, it is easy to see how you can reach this flawed conclusion. First, you start with sound premises, such as:
> God is the almighty Creator and Ruler of the universe.
> All things are under His soverighn control.
> Nothing happens in the world without His knowledge or permission.
> God loves you and wants only what is best for you.

So far, your theology is on track. But here is the point where your logic slips a cog. You mistakenly conclude:
> Since tragedy has entered your life, God must have turned His back on you.
> Of He really loved you, He wouldn't let this happen to you.

This line of thinking is flawed. First, God never promises anyone a life free from pain. so don't make the mistake of thinking that god has abandoned you when hardship enters your life. Secondly, the presence of hardship in your life does not imply the absence of god in your life. To the contrary, you can be sure that God is there and wants to reveal Himself to you when you are experiencing difficulties.

....
God doesn't remove the difficulty and pain. But He will be there with you thrugh it all.

It is almost impossible to see God if your spiritual eyes are closed.

God's continual presence with you is one of His presents to you.

How do you expect to recognize God during times of crisis if you haven't been taking notice of Him when things are going well?

God is with you when the going gets tough, but He's a perfect gentleman. He won't carry your load unless you ask Him to.



taken from the book God Is In The Hard Stuff by Bruce & Stan