The short answer is 'yes'.
God is sovereign. There are absolutely no arbitrary, random incidents in this life. Though the Lord’s purposes are often hidden, you can be sure that every event happens for a reason.
The Bible provides examples of the Lord's providence ...
There was a reason for the blindness of a certain individual ... And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him." (John 9:1-3)
There was a reason for Joseph's ill-treatment by his brothers ... "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:20-21)
There was a reason for Jesus' death at the hands of sinners ... For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)
Nothing escapes God’s purview and command over all that takes place; even to the lowliest of creatures ... Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. (Matthew 10:29)
The Lord is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. He is not limited by the restraints of time ... the past, the present, and the future are at once laid out before Him. Though God is preeminent and sees the end from the beginning, He gave man the freedom to choose what path he will trod.
His natural law of 'cause and effect' was established in order to draw unto Himself those who would be saved ... Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8).
The reason some things happen can be traced back to original sin in the Garden of Eden. The Bible is clear that the world is under a curse, which has resulted in infirmities, diseases, natural disasters, and death.
Someone may ask, “Why did I contract this illness and why must I suffer so?". If he/she believes in the providence of God, 'happenstance' is never a satisfactory answer. The Lord's divine purpose may rest in one or more of the following ...
2) Because God is testing you and strengthening your faith.
3) Because, in love, the Lord is disciplining you.
True followers of Christ learn to lean on this profound truth ... We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
God is at work in the lives of His people and promises to bring them to a good end ... being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)
The events that define your life do not come about by chance. We often fail to perceive God’s hidden guidance or protection as they unfold, but when we look back ... we can see His hand more clearly, even in times of tragedy.
No comments:
Post a Comment