The Lord gives trials to those he loves. Why does God allow trials?

Question:

Hello, father! My question is this: I’m unlucky in life, I’m constantly haunted by failures. I've never had real friends, I can't get a good job, my kids get sick often and a lot of little things happen, everything is against me. I had surgery to restore my vision, it worsened again, I straightened my nasal septum, but I still can’t breathe. I go to church, take communion once every 2 months, maybe my soul is bad? Who should I pray to so that everything goes well in life? God gives me trials?

Answers the question: Archpriest Dimitry Shushpanov

Priest's answer:

I would like to offer as an answer the sayings of saints about sorrows:

“It is for this reason that temptations, many trials, sorrows, struggles and shedding of sweat are laid out on the path, so that those who truly loved the one Lord with all their will and with all their might even to death, and with such love for Him no longer had "There is nothing else desired for themselves. Therefore, in truth, they enter the heavenly kingdom, having renounced themselves, according to the Lord's word, and having loved the only Lord more than their breath; why, for their high love, they will be rewarded with high heavenly gifts."

“God will not despise a contrite and humble heart: the sorrows that occur are by God’s permission; and when those who grieve with all their souls turn to the Lord, at that same hour the Lord will ineffably comfort them with His bounties and give a good thought to those who listen to Him, what should be done to please Him.”

“By enduring sorrows we save our souls, and we become accomplices of Christ’s sufferings in no other way than by enduring sorrows. Give thanks to God for everything, for thanksgiving intercedes with God for infirmities.”

“And as through many sorrows it is fitting for us to enter into the kingdom of God. Look: without labor and sorrow no one is justified. Therefore, the Lord called the gates leading to the kingdom of heaven narrow and cramped, that is, full of restrictions. But not every "whatever hardship or sorrow you may encounter, but sorrow because of faith in God"

“Each person has his own sorrows, only to the prying eye they are invisible. Moreover, I will tell you as a consolation that only through the patience of sorrows can you save your soul. The holy fathers note: if there were no sorrows, there would be no saints. And the Lord gave , we have this commandment: Through your patience you will gain your souls."

“We do not know for what purpose the Lord sends us sorrows, but, of course, the main ones are three, of which one, and perhaps all, are often the reason that He beats us with His fatherly rod. I believe: or to punishment for our previous sins, for, according to the word of the holy Apostle: we are punished by the Lord, so as not to be condemned with the world (1 Cor. 11, 32), or to test our faith and hope in the Lord, or, finally, so that the former will not be without sorrows "We will fall into some other sins. And besides, the sorrowful path is the path to the Kingdom of Heaven."

Disappointment, sadness, pain and loneliness - each of us experiences all of this sooner or later. “Why did such a terrible grief happen to me?” many ask. “How could a loving God allow this tragedy to happen?” "Perhaps He died?" “Why is He called good, merciful and long-suffering, if every day people suffer unspeakable suffering?” Such questions are asked by everyone - both those who hate God and Christians who are confused and confused by disappointments. When trouble comes, it is natural for a person to ask questions, doubt and blame someone else for it.

However, God never promised us a carefree existence. He knows that temporary suffering in this life is necessary to prepare us for the life to come. Scripture says: " The Lord punishes whomever he loves "(2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 12:6).

We don't have to look far to see that non-Christians suffer failure and suffering. Many of these sorrows are the result of their own sins. We cannot escape the law of cause and effect. Some disasters result from ignorance and human depravity. Due to the fact that someone threw an unextinguished cigarette in the wrong place, devastating fires and explosions destroy land holdings and all life on them. When disasters like these happen, many believe that this is God's will. Some people even believe that disasters are always punishment sent by God.

However, Christ once refuted the theory of “punishment from God” when He and his disciples met a man blind from birth. The disciples asked Christ: " Who sinned, he or his parents, that he was born blind?" Jesus answered: "Neither he nor his parents sinned. ".

Another time, after Pilate destroyed a group of Galileans during their worship of God, Christ asked: " Do you think that these Galileans were more sinful than all the Galileans, that they suffered so much? No, I tell you; but if you do not repent, you will all perish just the same. Or do you think that those eighteen people on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them were more guilty than all those living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but if you do not repent, you will all perish just the same "(Luke 13:2-5).

In addition to disasters that occur as a result of human mistakes, natural disasters also cause suffering and death. "He (Satan) is already busy with this work. Accidents, disasters on water and on land, terrible devastating fires, hurricanes, terrible storms, earthquakes - his evil will is visible in everything. He is gathering his harvest, famine and disasters follow "It infects the air with deadly fumes, and thousands of people die from epidemics."

1.Everything will become clear

Although we cannot understand the causes of all the tragedies and disappointments, we are still given this promise: “Whatever puzzles us about the providence of God will be made clear to us in the world to come.”

For many years I have kept in my Bible the following quote: “He leads them in the way that they would have chosen if they could have seen from the first where it led, and known the great purpose they were called to fulfill.”

When we are faced with sorrow, pain, problems, criticism, disappointment and other difficulties, we want to exclaim: “Father, truly this evil cannot serve me for good!” And then the answer comes to us: “My child, all this serves your good. Believe Me, I only allow what will enrich your life or make you a blessing to others. I love you incomparably more than you imagine. Everything that worries you ", concerns Me also. But I am preparing you so that you can dwell with Me forever. Do not doubt or question my intentions. Trust Me completely, and everything will work for your good."

"Behold, says God, I have melted you, but not like silver; tested you in the crucible of suffering " (Isa. 48:10). "The most brilliant crowns that are worn in heaven have been refined, refined, polished, and glorified in the crucible of testing," wrote Edwin Hubbell Chapin. God works in us the same strength that He has metal after hardening. Let our prayer sound like this: “Cleanse me, test me, Lord; but don’t throw me away like they throw away unusable iron for scrap.”

2.All things work together for good

Rome. 8:28 there is a promise that goes like this: " To those who love God... all things work together for good "And yet it is difficult to believe. He whose faith is based on this text is in communion with God. While " To those who love God... all things work together for good ", not all of this is necessarily good in itself. Both good and evil work together for the good of those who love God.

If only in Rome. 8:28 said that "some things work together for good" or "many things work together for good", then it would not be difficult to believe it. All problems are created by a short word " All"Because we are very prone to doubt, it is very difficult for us to take God at his word. But one way or another, the fact remains: God promises that if we love Him and allow Him to guide us, then everything - good or bad - will be used in our Christian experience like stones laid for crossing a fast river: “All our sufferings and sorrows, all our temptations and trials, sorrow and bitterness, persecution and deprivation - in a word, everything contributes to our good.”

3. Temptations

"The inevitability of the experiences and trials that we have to endure shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious that He wants to develop. If He did not see in us anything by which He could glorify His name, He would not waste time to purify us. He does not throw into His fiery furnace stones that have no value. He refines only valuable ore. The blacksmith places iron and steel in the fire to find out the quality of the metal. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be in the fiery heat of misfortune in order to reveal them disposition and find out whether they are suitable for His work."

Temptations and trials are a daily occurrence in our lives. Satan constantly tempts us to stop loving and trusting God. Although the evil one tempts everyone, he directs special efforts to those who have decided to become like Christ.

The Apostle Peter warns all Christians: " Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. "(1 Peter 5:8).

Leo is a good example of the work of the devil. He creeps up silently and unnoticed, and if we do not stand guard, we will not be able to resist his attack.

Temptations should lead us in prayer to the Lord. Every time we fail, we become weaker, but every victory over temptation strengthens our character. When temptation seems to be overwhelming, remember the promise of 1 Cor. 10:13: " No temptation has befallen you other than that of man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but when you are tempted, He will also give you the way of escape, so that you may be able to bear it. ".

God's message is: "I will not allow temptation to exceed your ability to resist." Our Creator knows how much temptation we can endure. A severe trial can be a sign that God has confidence in us. Before Satan stripped Job of all his possessions, children, and wealth, God knew his “limitation.” He knew Job would remain faithful. Likewise, God knows the limits of our strength, and He will not allow Satan to tempt us beyond that limit.

God sends to each person exactly as many trials as he can endure, and no more. Our Savior assures us that He will enable us to overcome any temptation. At the same time, He will not necessarily deliver us from it, but will give us the strength to overcome. Whatever we are, and no matter how great the temptation, Christ is always near us, and He assures us: " I will strengthen you and help you ..." (Isa. 41:10).

"If we venture into Satan's territory, we have no confidence that we are safe from his power. As far as possible, we must close every way through which the tempter can gain access to us."8 Don't go where temptation can overtake you. Do not despair when temptation comes, but be confident that by God's grace you will overcome. In case of any temptation, God prepares a way to get rid of it.

The Lord never tempts us to sin. " God is not tempted by evil and He Himself does not tempt anyone" (Is. 1:13). The only guarantee against falling into temptation is Christ living in the heart. He will never leave the man He died for. " Stay in constant connection with the living Christ, and He will hold your hand tightly and never leave you." And remember: “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it and are safe. "(Proverbs 18:10). God brings good out of evil and uses temptation to bring us to Himself. These experiences purify and discipline us. They evoke in us an aversion to evil and a desire for good. The Lord allows temptations because He loves us.

4. God's wise and comprehensive plan

God would love to make us rich, famous, prosperous, and to give us every desire of our hearts, but He chooses not to. Our nature is too weak to endure absolute well-being. When everything goes smoothly, we tend to become proud and independent, thereby ceasing to feel any need for God. Therefore, one by one, He removes all the barriers that separate us from Him. These barriers can sometimes be health, strength, wealth, fame, or even someone we love to whom we are most attached. It’s hard to be broken and depressed, but He allows it because He loves us and wants to save us.” " For the Lord punishes whomever he loves; and beats every son whom he receives." If you suffer punishment, then God deals with you as with sons. For is there any son whom his father does not punish ? " (Heb. 12:6, 7).

Nobody likes difficulties. When making any plans, we do not foresee possible problems and do not take them into account. When they arise, they become an unpleasant surprise for us. We react to them in various ways, experiencing self-pity, depression, bitterness. However, God wants us to treat them differently. " But now, Lord, You are our Father; we are clay, and You are our Teacher, and we are all the work of Your hand "(Isa. 64:8). The Lord is our Teacher, our Potter; we are clay; the potter's wheel represents heavenly mercy and the successive experiences of our life.

5. Heavenly Potter

It is the design of the heavenly Potter that both the forces of this world and the influences from above contribute to the formation of our character. Frequent blows to a damp clay vessel are necessary to remove cracks, which indicate that the material has not yet acquired proper flexibility.

Therefore, the great Potter who created us often exposes us to blows and pressure. We force Him to do this by stubbornly resisting His mercy and rebelling against the problems of life. The Lord does not change our form in order to completely reject us. If, after repeated action, the previously resisting soul yields to Him, He will make of it a vessel that brings benefit. No soul is beyond the reach of His transforming touch. "And the vessel which the potter made of clay fell apart in his hand; and he again made out of it another vessel, such as the potter took it into his head to make "(Jer. 18:4).

No, our heavenly Potter does not test us in order to find us unfit; but, like clay, He continually shapes us. "He kneads it and works on it. He tears the lumps into pieces and crushes them; joining them together... He leaves it to lie for a while... When it becomes completely pliable, He continues the work, making a vessel out of it. He shapes it and places it on a wheel, where he finishes it and polishes it. He dries the vessel in the sun and bakes it in the oven. And only then does the vessel become fit for use." He attacks our wayward and unyielding life only in order to ennoble it. He destroys it only to make something more beautiful out of it. He breaks it only to make it whole. He only hurts her to give her eternal healing.

After the potter has given the vessel the desired shape, he fires it in the kiln, and the heat transforms the soft clay into a strong and beautiful vessel. He carefully ensures that the vessels do not touch each other during firing. After all, if one of them bursts during firing, then the other will burst too. In God's great plan for our lives, we must be separated from each other while in the crucible of adversity. And yet we are not alone. Christ is with us. God allows us to be tested and refined so that individual character can develop in each of us. He wants each of us to win the victory ourselves, so that we may be among those who " came from great tribulation; they washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev. 7:14).

6. The process of formation is not enjoyed - it is tolerated

The Lord does not expect us to enjoy the process of formation, but He does want us to endure it with patience. When the Apostle Paul in 2 Cor. 7:4 wrote: "I... abound with joy, despite all our sorrow ", he did not mean by this that he received pleasure from being stoned, or from having those whom he loved turn against him. But the apostle rejoiced because these experiences brought him closer to God. They changed his character in a way that nothing else could change him. The psalmist David said: " It is good for me that I suffered in order to learn Your statutes " (Ps. 119:71) "If we are betrothed to heaven, how can we, like a company of mourners, go along the road to the Father's house, groaning and complaining? Christians who constantly complain and seem to think high and a joyful state of spirit due to sin, do not possess true religion. The one who finds gloomy pleasure in everything sad and sorrowful that is in this world, who prefers to look at fallen dead leaves instead of picking beautiful living flowers, does not abide in Christ; He does not abide in the Lord who does not see the beauty in the majestic mountain peaks, in the valleys covered with a living green carpet, who has closed his feelings to the joyful voice that speaks to them through nature, a melodious and euphonious voice for those who hear it.

Suppose we reverse this order... Suppose you try to count all your blessings. You thought so little about them, and you had so many of them, that when failures and misfortunes come, you are deeply sad and think that God is unjust. You don't even remember that for all of God's blessings you have given Him so little gratitude and appreciation. You don't deserve them; but, because day after day, year after year they flowed like a river to you, you looked at them as something that had the full right to accept all the benefits without giving anything in return. God has more blessings than the hairs on our heads, more than the sand on the seashore. Meditate on His love and care for us, and let it fill you with a love that trials and tribulations cannot drown out.

If only we could see all the dangers from which the holy angels protect us every day, then, instead of complaining about trials and failures, we would constantly talk about God's mercy." It is natural for us to be grateful for God's many blessings, such , like health, family and prosperity. But do we thank the Lord for experiences? Do we thank Him for difficulties that strengthen our character? Like, for example, we look at:

a) grief, which makes us compassionate;

b) pain, which adds patience to us in our lives;

c) a problem that makes us think;

d) criticism that forces us to examine ourselves;

e) disappointment, which helps us remain meek

f) difficulties that make us feel dependent on God?

All these and thousands of other questions bring us more benefit than many easy victories that do not give any spiritual growth.

7. God's Chosen Remedy

Let us thank God for the difficulties that help us grow to become like Him. "The trials of life are Divine instruments by which He purifies our character from defects and roughness. Cutting, sculpting, grinding and polishing cause pain... But, thus processed, the stones become Fit to take their appointed place in the heavenly temple." “Once a man, who was in a state of deep depression because of a misfortune that had happened to him, was walking in the garden in the evening and looking at a pomegranate tree, almost all of its branches had been cut off...” “Sir,” said the gardener, “this tree has grown so much.” , which did not bear any fruit, but only had leaves. I was forced to trim it; and after that it began to bear fruit."

Our sorrows do not come naturally. In every experience God has a purpose for our good. Every blow that destroys an idol, a blow that weakens our earthly attachments and brings us closer to God, is a blessing. For some time after such “pruning” we may experience pain, but then “ let us bear the peaceful fruit of righteousness "We should gratefully accept everything that enlivens our consciousness, elevates our thoughts and ennobles our lives. Barren branches are cut off and thrown into the fire. Let us be grateful that, despite the painful “pruning,” we maintain a connection with the living Vine; For if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with Him. It is those difficulties which most severely test our faith, and make us think that God has forgotten us, that bring us closest to Him. Then we we can lay down all our burdens at Christ's feet and find the peace He gives in return... God loves and cares for the weakest creatures He has created, and there is nothing that can grieve Him more than our doubt of His love for us. , let us cultivate that living faith which will destroy all doubts in the hours of darkness and trial!" Christ will never forsake the soul for which He died. She may leave Him and be captured by temptations; but Christ will never turn away from the one for whom He paid the ransom at the cost of His life. If our spiritual eyes were opened, we could see those who are so burdened with grief that they may perish from their own despair and disappointment. We would see angels rushing to the aid of these souls standing, as it were, on the edge of an abyss. Having pushed aside many evil angels, heavenly servants help these unfortunate ones to regain their footing. The battles that take place between the two invisible armies are as real as the battles that take place between the armies of this world, and eternal destinies depend on the outcome of the spiritual struggle.

The words are addressed to us, as well as to Peter: " Satan asked to sow you like wheat; but I prayed for you, so that your faith would not fail"Thank God that we are not left alone." “For those who seek to follow the will of God, the time of deepest turmoil will be the time when Divine help is closest to them. When they look back on the darkest periods of their lives, they will remember them with the greatest gratitude. "The Lord knows how to deliver the godly "(2 Peter 2:9). He will lead them out of all temptations, out of all trials, and they will be enriched in experience, and their faith will become even stronger."

8. Not left alone

We have been given a promise: " Whether you pass through waters, I am with you; whether you cross rivers, they will not drown you. " (Isa. 43:2). Jesus assures us: " Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. "(Matthew 28:20). Can we desire more? "In all our trials we have an unchanging Helper. He does not leave us alone to fight temptations and fight evil, for we would eventually be overwhelmed by hardships and sorrows. Although He is now hidden from the sight of mortals, faith will help to hear His voice saying: " Don't be afraid, I'm with you". "And alive; and was dead, and her, alive forever and ever "(Rev. 1:18). I have borne your sorrows, experienced all your struggles, met your temptations. I see your tears, I have wept too. I know sorrows that are so deep that they cannot be entrusted to any person. Do not think that you are alone and abandoned. Although your pain does not touch any heart on earth, look to Me and live. “The mountains will move, and the hills will be shaken; but My lovingkindness will not depart from you, and My covenant of peace will not be removed, says the Lord who has mercy on you." (Isa. 54:10)."

9. The plan bears fruit

Disappointments and difficulties develop patience in us. And patience is one of the first fruits of grace. " Here is the patience of saints ", said John the Theologian. Only people who give opportunity " patience to produce its perfect action "in their lives, will become" perfect and complete, not needing anything ". These are the ones who will live forever where nothing will irritate or disturb. When the small trials of life make us irritable, we should ask God for forgiveness. Because we cannot see our problems as theirs God sees, and we cannot understand them as He understands, we misinterpret His attitude towards us. Due to the fact that our understanding of the Lord is limited, we often doubt His love. “The ways of the Lord are not understandable to those who want to see everything in pleasant ways.” for yourself in the world. To us, with our nature, these paths seem gloomy and joyless. But the ways of God are the ways of mercy, and at the end of them is salvation ".

How good it would be if we remembered that every dark storm has a heavenly side, illuminated by God's light and glory. Our vision of human suffering is very limited. We interpret problems and disappointments negatively, often fearing that they will destroy us. We forget that the Lord allows them for our growth. We need to take advantage of the heavenly ointment that will help us see God's purpose clearly. Only then will we notice love in all life experiences. When we look at our trials from God's point of view, then we perceive them as Divine instruments through which He prepares us for eternal life.

10 .Tests as part of education

"Trials and obstacles are God's chosen methods of education and His proposed conditions for success. They are designed to cleanse God's children from attachment to worldliness, material goods." Christ Himself studied in this school of suffering in order to experience from personal experience what a person experiences. " Although He is the Son, He learned obedience through suffering. " (Heb. 5:8). How much more do we ordinary people need to learn the lessons our Heavenly Father wants to teach us. Even if we don't understand all the reasons, we know that God wants every experience has contributed to the development of the character of Jesus Christ in us. How should we deal with difficulties and disappointments? Of course, we should not become angry and irritable. “The more you think about the disappointment that has befallen you, you tell others about your trials, spreading these conversations more and more to find the sympathy you desire, the more disappointments and trials you will experience." In every experience that God allows for us, there is His purpose, evidence of His wisdom and love for us.

"And he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them as gold and as silver, so that they may sacrifice to the Lord in righteousness. "(Mal. 3:3). One woman, trying to understand the true meaning of this statement, turned to a silversmith with a request to talk about the process of purifying silver. The master colorfully described everything to her. “But,” the woman asked, “do you observe what happens during this work?” “Oh, yes,” replied the silversmith, “I must sit and carefully look into the forge, for if the time required for purification exceeds the permissible time by even a few minutes, the silver, alas, will be spoiled. When I see my own in the silver my own reflection, I know that the process of purification is completed." In subjecting us to purification, Christ does not delay it a moment longer than necessary. He allows fire to purify, ennoble and sanctify, but not destroy us. He wants to see His image reflected in us.

“God, in His great love, strives to develop in us the gifts of His Spirit. He allows us to encounter obstacles, persecution and difficulties, not so that they serve as a curse to us, but, on the contrary, as a blessing.”

11. Nothing happens “just like that”

If we are Christians, then nothing happens to us “just like that.” Disappointments, lost hopes, destroyed plans - everything we come into contact with in our lives prepares us for eternity. God allows every experience, thereby wanting to bring us closer to Him. His ways are mysterious, but He never makes mistakes. He is full of wisdom and love. Let us submit to His purpose. There are things that we may not know about until we experience them and look back.

By leading us away from danger, God can touch our deepest interests. Sometimes He deprives us of what is most valuable, what is our greatest treasure. Someone we love may get sick; Someone's death will make us feel helpless. But by facing death, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the realities of life.

Our troubles do not please God, but suffering is necessary to teach us obedience. One writer said: " Sometimes God washes the eyes of His children with tears so that they can read His Commandments correctly"No matter how severe the trials that befell us, Christ never changes His attitude towards us, always remaining kind and loving." For only I know the intentions that I have for you, says the Lord, intentions for good and not for evil. "(Jer. 29:11). Any trials that He allows are for our good. "Every misfortune and sorrow, no matter how heavy and bitter it may seem, will always serve as a blessing to those who endure it with faith. A heavy blow, which in one minute turns all earthly joys into nothingness, can turn our gaze to heaven."

When disaster strikes us, there is no point in asking “why?” Questions and doubts only make things worse. It is much wiser to come to terms with the fact and concentrate all your efforts on solving the problem. Although you may not always be able to see the results of any trial, you should not lose confidence in God.

Sometimes God allows us to be hit with a strong, painful blow. They may even experience the collapse of their most secret plans or hopes. No matter the disappointment, our lives are in God's hands. God has His own plan for each of us, and each blow He allows has its own purpose. God " It is not according to the purpose of His heart that He punishes and grieves the sons of men " (Lamentations 3:33) He allows trials in the lives of His children because He loves them.

12. There's no room for despair

Understanding all this leaves no room for despair. All people should live with the confidence that God has His plans for each of them, and that whatever happens serves a purpose. Such confidence makes life happy! “They will look with gratitude upon the hardest part of their journey”—what a wonderful promise!

Satan creates temptations to hurt us, but God turns them into good and uses them for His glory. Each of our experiences, whatever it may be, carries God's plan. "Whatever fears and worries you may encounter, leave everything to the Lord. Your spirit will strengthen and become more resilient. You will see how you can get out of difficulties and gain confidence in the future. The weaker and more helpless you are, the stronger you will become in Him, the heavier your burdens, the more blessed is the peace when your burdens are cast upon Him who is willing to bear them.

Circumstances can separate us from friends for a long time; the raging waters of the endless sea can separate us from our loved ones. But neither circumstances nor distances will ever separate us from the Savior. Wherever we are, He is there to support, preserve, encourage and comfort. Great is the love of a mother for her child, but incomparably greater is the love of Christ for His redeemed ones. It is our good to rest in His love and say, “I trust Him, for He gave His life for me. Human love is often fickle, but the love of Christ is unchangeable. When we cry out to Him for help, He stretches out His hand to us , to save". GeraldNash

I asked God for strength so that I could achieve my goal:

I became weak so that I could learn to obey with meekness.

I asked for health so I could do great things:

I became weak to do better things.

I asked for wealth to be happy:

I became poor so that I could be wise. I asked for power

to achieve human glory:

I became weak in order to feel the need for God.

I asked for everything to enjoy life:

I got life to enjoy everything.

I didn't get anything I asked for exactly.

But I got everything I hoped to get

without even knowing it.

My unspoken prayers were answered.

Of all people, I have received the richest blessings.

“Behold, I have refined you, but not like silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10).

The furnace burns not to destroy, but to cleanse, ennoble, sanctify. If there were no trials, we would not so clearly feel our need for God and His help; we would become proud and filled with self-righteousness. In the trials that befall us, we must see evidence that the Lord is constantly watching over us and wants to draw us to Himself. Not healthy, but sick has a need for a doctor; in the same way, those who find themselves under the almost unbearable pressure of difficult circumstances turn to God for help.

The fact that we experience trials indicates that the Lord sees something very valuable in us and wants to see these qualities developed. If He saw nothing in us that could contribute to the glory of His name, He would not take the time to cleanse us of unnecessary impurities. He wouldn't go out of his way to cleanse us of extra shoots. Christ does not send empty breeds into the crucible. He tests only valuable ore.

A blacksmith places iron and steel in a furnace to find out what kind of metal he is working with. The Lord allows His chosen ones to be put into the crucible of suffering, to see what kind of disposition they are, and whether they can be molded and prepared for His service.

It may take a lot of effort to shape your character so that you turn from a rough stone into a faceted, polished emerald worthy of taking your place in God's temple. You should not be surprised if God begins to cut away the sharp corners of your character with chisel and hammer until he fits you into the place he has prepared for you.

No man is capable of doing this work. Only God can do it. And rest assured, He will not strike a single unnecessary blow. And He deals every blow with love, for the sake of your eternal happiness. He knows all your weaknesses and shortcomings, and He works for creation, and not for destruction.

When seemingly inexplicable trials befall us, we must never lose our composure. No matter what injustice is done to us, we should not give free rein to our passions. By indulging the thirst for revenge, we harm ourselves. We undermine our own faith in God and grieve the Holy Spirit. Next to us stands a witness, a heavenly messenger, who raises the standard for us against the enemy. He will protect us from evil with the bright rays of the Sun of Truth. Satan cannot penetrate this fence. He will not be able to penetrate this shield of holy light (Signs of the Times, August 18, 1909).

All trials are given to us not for evil, but for good, but it’s impossible to understand right away, and the person says, God doesn’t love me, why did he allow this to happen to me. And only after going through his troubles with dignity and emerging victorious from them, a person He says how good it is that this happened to me, and thanks to this I achieved such an excellent result.

Sometimes the Higher powers in the person of God trip up a person so that he stumbles and looks back, because sometimes he does not see the obvious that needs to be noticed, and through pain, that is, trials, a person is led to the best. And in fact In fact, God only gives us life, and we ourselves execute or pardon ourselves, building our own...

Vyacheslav Linev Guru (4073) 7 years ago I came to the conclusion that there are no punishments and God does not give trials more than a person can withstand.

One after another Father of trials
Appoints for my education.
But by old standards, these are nothing but losses.
By the standards of the past, there are only debts.

And, stripping off everything unnecessary, opening up,
I will clean myself thoroughly.
And I will discover the gift of foresight in myself,
And the Father will allow you to heal.

The raised bar gives a chill in the chest.
And I have to take this height,
So that on that long journey,
Raising the bar more than once.

Entering the yet unexperienced,
As if into emptiness
I feel for the past
I am guilty before the Father.
* * * * * * *
Face the asphalt again with love
You will drag me, Father.
On my head with delight and pain
I will feel your crown.
* * * * * * *
Discord. I have to study again.
Laziness whispers that everything is in vain,
Laziness convinces me that I...

About trials in our lives

“In order to go to Sweet Paradise, you need to taste a lot of bitter things in this life and receive a passport for passing the tests”

Test Crosses

– Geronda, I always wear the cross with which you blessed me. This cross helps me in difficulties.

– You know, the crosses of each of us are the same crosses. They are like small crosses that we wear around our necks and that protect us in our lives. What do you think, are we carrying some great crosses? Only the Cross of Christ was very heavy, because Christ, out of love for us - people - did not want to use His divine power for Himself. And after the Crucifixion, He took, takes and will take upon Himself the burden of the crosses of every person and His divine help and His sweet consolation eases us from the pain of trials.

The good God gives everyone a cross in accordance with his strength. God gives a person a cross not so that he can suffer, but so that...

Ruslan wrote: With intense prayers, everything was resolved. Dad returned, they made peace. Thanks to everyone who responded to this thread!

And as for illnesses... perhaps some help me not to stray from the path of faith.

Here is my answer regarding whether God punishes with illnesses, and I believe that this is true, if you want to say this: THIS IS THE TRUTH!!!
Jesus said: (Luke 19:26)
-I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away;
The man got rid of diseases, wow, this is cool and cool, he is now healthy. But time passes, and then, no matter how you take it, the disease makes itself known through symptoms and feelings. And in such a situation, the person says, perhaps I am not completely healed or have not had healing, this is bad.
Where does Satan strike? That's right, into the sphere of feelings! And where does Jesus lead, that’s also a stupid question for me, of course, Jesus wants us to believe!!! And if a person is led by the sphere of feelings, he thus allows Satan to steal his healing. And when a person says things like that...

“What does it mean to man that You visit him every morning and test him every moment?” (Job 1:17,18)

What does it mean that God visits us every morning and tests us in every moment of our lives? Why is He doing this? What is His purpose? And are we ready to be tested every minute? Do we wake up with a sense of anticipation of challenges? And what does the test of God even mean? God does not test us because He is angry with us or wants to punish us. On the contrary, trials are a sign of God's favor. He tests us because He wants to establish our worth. A jeweler subjects gold or silver to certain tests. He does this because these metals have value and a special purpose. He doesn't care about testing iron or aluminum.

In the era of the patriarchs, there lived one man who had extraordinary righteousness. His name was Job. God thought highly of Job. He described him as the most righteous man of his time:...

Finding God through Suffering

The Lord always blesses us and our loved ones. We should be grateful to Him for this. When grief befalls us, He always measures its size with our spiritual reserve of strength. Consider the promise of the Lord:

“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, being recognized according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Heavenly Father allows trials on our life path. This in no way contradicts His tender love for us.

For one Christian, a time of difficult trials had come. So great were his sorrows that he was overcome by the temptation to complain to the Lord. When everything was over, he was able to comprehend God's plan and said: “I was foolish, not understanding the messages of the Lord.”

1. Why does God allow trials?

First, trials test our character. This is why the Lord allows Satan to tempt and test us. The Bible clearly tells us that in its...

WHY DOES PEOPLE SUFFER?

Call upon Me in the day of your sorrow, and I will destroy you... (Ps. 49:15)

Through many tribulations we must enter the Kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)

There are many reasons why sorrows and illnesses are sent to us. At the same time, one should never think that the suffering, misfortunes and troubles sent can come from people: all of them are allowed to us by the Lord God, both infinitely merciful and infinitely wise. Suffering can be seen as a spiritual cure for sinful harm. Suffering (for example, in the form of illness) often suspends the action of sin: “he who suffers in the flesh ceases to sin,” writes St. Peter (1 Pet. 4:1). Suffering for sin is the voice of God, admonition to a sinning person: it is a blow to the hand that commits lawlessness. At the same time, suffering softens the guilt of sin - to some extent balances the guilt according to the law of retribution and justice (the law of karma). “No sorrows, no and...

What torment people experience! How many problems they have! Some come here to tell me about their pain in two minutes, on the go, and get a little comfort. One exhausted mother told me: “Geronda, there are moments when I have no strength left to endure. Then I ask: “My Christ, take a short break, and then let the torment come again.” How people need prayer! But, in addition, every test is also a gift from God. This is one more extra “point” in order to enter another life. This hope of reward in the future life gives me joy, consolation and strength, and I can withstand the pain of those sorrows that torment many, many.

Our God is not Baal, but a God of love. He is the Father who sees the suffering of His children from the various temptations and trials that torment them. And He will give us reward, if only we endure this small martyrdom of the test that has come to us, or, better said, the blessing that has come to us.

Geronda, some people ask:...

About grace. part 3

GRACE AND THE LAW

“If by grace, then not by works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace. But if it is by works, then this is no longer grace; otherwise the matter is no longer a matter” (Rom. 11:5-6).

a believer - a child of God - must live by the grace and only the grace of God. Nothing else should influence him and his way of life so as to distract him from realizing his need for God. However, in the life of the church there is often a phenomenon where the concept of grace is erased from the consciousness of believers through the efforts of “hypervigilant” pastors who see nothing in grace except permissiveness. Scripture makes a clear distinction between grace and law, but does not speak of grace as of lawlessness. Life by grace is life for God with a feeling of complete dependence on Him, and the human heart itself thirsts for this dependence, consciously rejecting everything that the world could offer in exchange for the grace of God.

How can you characterize...

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3. Miracle of Grace

“The law came after, and thus the crime increased. And when sin abounded, grace abounded all the more, so that just as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The question of God's grace can only be studied by the comparative method. We must compare the horrific corruption of humanity with the abundant mercy of God given to us through Jesus Christ. This contradiction is perfectly expressed in the words of an old church hymn:

“We are guilty, angry, powerless.

The lamb without blemish is He.

Redemption! Yes,…

God's love will finally prevail

1. The Fall of Lucifer

2. Creation

3. Consequences of the uprising

4. Temptation and the Fall

5. Plan of Salvation

6. Sacrifice of Cain and Abel

7. Seth and Enoch

9. Tower of Babel

10. Abraham and the Promised Seed

11. Marriage of Isaac

12. Jacob and Esau

13. Jacob and the Angel

14. Children of Israel

15. God's Power Revealed

16. Israel's exit from Egyptian slavery

17. Israel's pilgrimage

18. Law of God

19. Sanctuary

20. Scouts and their report

21. Sin of Moses

22. Death of Moses

23. Israel enters the promised land

24. The Ark of God and the successes of Israel

25. First coming of Jesus Christ

26. Ministry of Christ

27. How Christ was betrayed

28. Judgment of Christ

29. Crucifixion of Christ

No. 20. Punishment from our Father

Spiritual-creative stone No. 20

Titus 2:11-14: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age, waiting for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of the great God and Savior our Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a special people, zealous for good works.”

Listen to what the prophet of God said about this:

So, sometimes...I agree that our Heavenly Father sometimes punishes us with illness, allowing Satan to do this (James 1:13-15) in order to sometimes test us, to bring us back. If we go astray, then our Heavenly Father may allow something to happen to us to bring us back. But this will only be for good (Rom. 8:28-29). Do you understand? Punishment from our Father is unpleasant for a while, but in the end...

When something happens to you or your loved ones, you involuntarily think: “Why? Why did this happen to me/us? Is this really what God gives us? What is this test for?

Before talking about testing, the concept should be clarified. A trial is a misfortune that costs us great spiritual strength. That is, it is always something on the edge of your capabilities. Life's difficulty and test are two different things. And the test itself, if it is such, is not given by God.

Why does God give a test?

At this time some came and told Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus said to them: Do you think that these Galileans were more sinners than all the Galileans, that they suffered so much? No, I tell you, but if you do not repent, you will all perish in the same way. Or do you think that those eighteen people on whom the tower of Siloam fell and killed them were more guilty than all those living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way (Luke 13:1-5)

In the passage from the Gospel of Luke, the Lord makes it clear to us that misfortune is not always the retribution for sin. " There is such a vanity on earth: the righteous suffer what the deeds of the wicked deserved, and the wicked suffer what the deeds of the righteous deserved."(Eccl. 8:14). Some of the difficulties that befall us are the result of our own mistakes, some are given to us for guidance and teaching. And only part is punishment for sins committed earlier.

Sometimes we realize that we have sinned in some way. In such cases, you need to try to remember what exactly it is. For example, you greatly upset someone and caused them many unpleasant moments. The best way out in such a situation is to confess to a priest. If the priest blesses you, you will be able to attend the sacrament of Unction (Blessing of Unction) so that the Lord will forgive you your unconfessed sins. After the unction, miraculous healings and improvements in people’s lives occurred.

The Lord loves each of us

We cannot blame the Lord for not paying attention to us. After all, He gave His Son because He loves us, no matter what we do. Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a human life and died a terrible, painful death so that the sins of each of us would be forgiven. Through Jesus Christ we receive forgiveness of sins and have the right to be called sons of God. This is grace, a manifestation of God's great love for us.

Before the coming of Christ, people were deprived of direct communication with God: they could only make sacrifices for sin. Only the prophets of Israel were granted living communication with God (you can read about this in the Old Testament). Today everything has changed. Any person, of any nationality, can count on God's help and support.

« I will not leave you and I will not forsake you“- Jesus Christ himself said this. Therefore, there is a great chance to emerge victorious from every test that fate presents.

How can you endure the test?

The Lord will help in any situation, no matter how difficult it may be. The prophet Isaiah has the following to say about this. " I, I Myself, am your Comforter. Who are you that you are afraid of a man who dies, and of the son of man, who is like grass? The captive will soon be set free, and will not die in a pit, and will not need bread"(Isa. ch. 51:12). The Lord is our Comforter in all sorrows and troubles. He wants to help us. And of course, trials come into our lives for us to endure.

« He also told them a parable about how one should always pray and notto be despondent..."(Luke 18:1). In difficult moments of life, prayer should become your second self.

« Fine, - you say, - but I already asked God for help, prayed for a long time, and nothing changed!"That's what you think. In fact, a believer's prayer is always heard. And the Lord heard you. In the future, He will do everything to get us out of trouble: He will send the right person, or a group of people, to your rescue. He, “although he is slow to defend,” is never late.

You should always, under any conditions, pray, both in joy and in sorrow. " If any of you suffers, let him pray. If anyone is happy, let him sing psalms"(James ch. 5:13). Faith is the main weapon of a Christian, in sickness and weakness, in any situation.

Of course, this does not mean that we should stop fighting the disease in the physical sense (with the help of doctors, loved ones, and our own efforts). However, the strength to fight, in many ways, is given by God. You need to believe it, and be strengthened in your faith through God's word.

God's weapon in a difficult situation

Put on the whole armor of God, so that you can stand against the wiles of the devil. Having girded your loins with the truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, take the shield of faith, take the helmet of salvation, take the sword of the Spirit, pray with every prayer and petition at all times in the Spirit (Eph. 6:10-18)

Faith is the main weapon in the earthly life of a Christian. And this should be understood both metaphorically and literally. God's help is realized through God's word, which is a means of protection for a believer.

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians speaks of the whole armor of God: the belt is truth, the armor is righteousness, the shoes are the readiness to preach peace, the shield is faith, the sword is the Spirit.

Communication with God occurs through prayer. Faith comes "from hearing the word of God." It is necessary to be established in the word of God in order to “put on the armor of God.”

How can this be done in practice?

1). Find in the Bible, in the Old or New Testament, words that apply to your specific situation. The book of Job and also the Psalter are best suited. We also recommend watching (from the Old Testament to the New):

• If you are sick: Isaiah, ch. 53:5; Jeremiah, ch. 30:17; Jacob ch. 5:14,15.
• If you are tired, weary: Isaiah, ch. 41:13; John, ch. 14:1-4; Matthew, ch. 11:28.
• If you are in crisis: Isaiah ch. 30:19; Matthew, ch. 6:25-34; Hebrews, ch. 4;16.
• If your loved ones are in danger: Job, chapter 5:19-24; Psalm 90; Proverbs, ch. 3:22-26.

2). Add a few verses to your regular prayer rule. Also recite these Bible verses throughout the day. This is how the word of God works “in practice.”

3). Be established in faith through the Word, and the Lord will definitely hear you.

• « Take courage, and let your hearts be strengthened, all you who hope in the Lord"(Ps. 30:25);
• « Be strong and courageous... for the Lord your God is with you everywhere, wherever you go"(Joshua ch. 1:9);
• « Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will glorify Me"(Ps. 49:15);
• « Fear not, for I am with you; do not be troubled, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, and help you, and uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness."(Isa. ch. 41:10);
• « Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."(Matthew ch. 11:28);
• « And the prayer of faith will heal the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, they will forgive him"(James 5:15).

How words affect future victory in a challenge

For by your words you will be justified and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew ch. 12:37)

It is important to confess in words what you believe in. " Lord, this will never end!», « Lord, it's getting worse and worse!“- if you say this, then you cross out what the Lord has prepared for you.

Let's say you pray fervently every day for the healing of a loved one. But as soon as you say the word “never,” “worse,” you cancel the words of the prayer. This is the same as pressing the gas to make the car go, and at the last moment pressing the brake.

Watch what you say and how you say it. After all, the Apostle James was right that he who can bridle the tongue will also bridle the body.