And His commandments are not burdensome. Jesus is Himself the source of hope you need to persevere through the hardest things in life. There are many factors to consider, but the bottom line is: The Bible shows us that suffering, rather than disproving it, actually points to the existence of a good God who cares about people. God is at work in you. He can also use it to increase your faith or refine your character. In. As Jesus said, There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for ones friends (John 15:13). Ephesians 1:4-5 - According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should . Here is what they have to say: GOD ALSO ERRED Kenneth G. Lucey, UNR philosophy/religion professor According to some religious texts, God occasionally made a bad decision. All rights reserved. What Is Free Will? If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die (Genesis 2:16-17). 1. Equipping families with practical approaches to parenting and marriage. I will never lack anything. Our Father reaches us at the point of our most basic need. He has a solution, and Philippians 2:13 tells us what it is:for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Psalm 18:1,Psalm 18:32,Psalm 18:39,Psalm 21:1, 13,Psalm 22:19,Psalm 28:7-8,Psalm 29:11,Psalm 33:6,Psalm 46:1,Psalm 59:17,Psalm 71:9,Psalm 73:26,Psalm 89:21,Psalm 118:14,Psalm 119:28. For He does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow (Lamentations 3:32-33). 2023 From His Presence and Jamie Rohrbaugh. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Are you looking for healing from anxiety, We feel that our world should be different. 5 Principles for Biblical Decision Making - David Jeremiah Blog This is a valid question. Why does God allow us to go through trials and tribulations? In His righteousness He will use warfare to end warfare. We can also suffer as a result of our own poor choices. all rights reserved. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. The LORD has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. What was I comparing this universe with when I called it unjust?. These promises can be a source of great comfort when you're suffering. In the Beginning | Creation.Live Podcast: Episode 14. Devotional: God allows mankind gift of choice - Chron His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus., God can bring good out of bad for anyone, but Romans 8:28 specifically tells us God uses all things to work for the good of His people: And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.. Philippians 2:12-13 says: "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.". God knows we need His help, so He is working in us. Trending post: Prayer for Multiple Streams of Income. Though the choice appears easy, the challenging road to the Kingdom of God dismays many because they are unwilling to undergo the rigors of the journey. Like a big barn full of food for the winter, God stores up the goodness He has planned for us. And yet the Bible shows us Jesus wrestling with what He has to do. God gave you the Bible so you could know Him. Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in obedience to him (Psalm 128:1). Getting a divorce or changing your major your last year of college can cause huge ripples in your life, so it's no wonder we try to make the right choice from the get go. PDF FAITH AND DECISIONS HOW TO MAKE WISE DECISIONS - Rodman Street Period. People chose to rebel. Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. Above all of His qualities, these three things shine brighter than the others. (Read More.) . All of our choices should be in accordance to God's 10 Commandments and overall teachings. How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Clearly, He wants you to know that He has a plan to end suffering, but it has not yet been completed, as another passage from the Bible teaches: But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. He was given an unfair trial and accused of crimes He did not commit. Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. A new discovery of a duck-billed dinosaur was announced in southern Chile. When we are faced with a decision, we often close our mind too narrowly and feel like there are only a few options before us, when in fact there may be may different options. Faith is necessary to please God (Hebrews 11:6), and if our faith is genuine and true, we will live a lifestyle characterized by righteousness, modeling the example set for us by Jesus Christ. Verse Concepts. And ultimately He was tortured and executed by His enemies, with His own mother as a witness, having done nothing wrong Himself. Church. How does a mother care for her child? If God knew that Adam and Eve would sin, why did He create them? Years ago there was a popular television program called "Truth or Consequences." I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, Look, Gods home is now among His people! The reason is because God honors our free will. For only as a human being could He die, and only by dying could He break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. And the sea was also gone. Love. Before the first people disobeyed God and went their own way, there was no death. Through that choice, humankind broke their relationship with God and brought imperfection into the perfect world He made. Your relationships will be different. (Insert two-year-old kicking/screaming tantrum here. This brokenness is evident all around us, from natural disasters to the fact that we cannot trust other people. If you choose to cheat on a test, you may suffer the consequence of failing that test or the class, and there may even be consequences to your standing as a student. Do hurts and struggles drag you down? It is a great psalm that shows how God is our refuge, strength, and hears our prayers. I will never lack anything. God had protected His people from evil and death. I will remember no more. Transforming our decision making process stars by changing our heart, mind, and soul to be more like Christs. Ask a friend to make this verse their prayer for you: I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. When we start choosing sin in these situations, we can fall down a slippery slope quick. The will to do and the action of doing are the two components of any decision. Sadly, even good things can turn into sources of suffering. They become habits so you have more time to worry about other choices. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. God always provides what we need. As a free moral agent, man has the awesome responsibility to choose between a hapless, physio-chemical existence with a dead end or a rich and rewarding eternity as a member of God's Family. The book of Genesis tells the story of this first rebellion. God can work in mysterious ways, and that includes navigating His servants. Sarah is the author of several Bible study resources found on her website, sarahefrazer.com/shop. When we obey the Lord, we can live a life of joy, without shame, rooted deeply in the Lord and confident in our eternal hope. If someone chooses to break into your home and steal your property and money, you suffer the loss of possessions and probably the loss of your sense of personal security. No part of this website may be reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the express, written consent of the author. Hebrews 10:16-17, Your email address will not be published. People are hurt by their own lack of judgment and by the bad decisions that others make. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. Only a God who is truly good could bring good out of something truly bad. God made the first man and woman, Adam and Eve, and gave them the perfect, good world He made. 1 John 2:3, Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven Some experiences of suffering are on an individual, family or community level. God Almighty has given man the power to make choices regarding his ultimate destiny. The apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament of the Bible, discussed this in his second letter to Christians in Corinth. Even if your suffering is not over yet, walking through a painful experience with someone else can be a great blessing for both of you. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others. He said, God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil (Genesis 3:5). God the Fathers plan to save His rebellious people required His Son to die a terrible, unjust death. Throughout the Bible, though, we see countless examples of God's children not making the right choices. But in choosing to step out from under His protection, where they enjoyed eternal life, Adam and Eve brought death and suffering into the world for the first time. While some commentators Insects Pollinated Earths Earliest Flowering Plants. Did Jesus Say We Must Be Baptized in Order to Be Saved? Jesus did not tell the people to stop crying. What Does the Bible Say about Streams in the Desert? Proverbs: To Teach Wisdom, Discipline and Moral Instruction. God himself will be with them. Many men and women struggle to find victory over pornography. We are not the same people we once were. Many things that are good and important require immense suffering. Designed by Susan Windsor* We were all born with a sinful nature, inherited from Adam. Psalm 128:1, By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 3. Gods promises will come to pass. In fact, some might even wonder why, if God knew ahead of time all the trouble they would cause, He made them in the first place. David was well acquainted with suffering. As in all things, God's ultimate purpose for us is to grow more and more into the image of His Son ( Romans 8:29 ). Pastors, church leadership, family and close friends may be able to give you guidance on a choice you are making. It is extremely frustrating when kids rebel against you and ignore the rules you established for their protection. As a free moral agent, man has the awesome responsibility to choose between a hapless, physio-chemical existence with a dead end or a rich and rewarding eternity as a member of God's Family. In Genesis 1 we read the land plants were created on Day 3 of the creation week, and living creatures were created on Days 5 and 6. And on their mind I will write them,, And their sins and their lawless deeds WHEN faced with making a personal choice, one woman told a friend: "Do not make me think; just tell me what to do. Suffering is inevitable in this world then. We are protected from the enemy, and we are so at peace that sleep comes easily. We obey His commands, not because we have to, but because we want to, because we love Him. We are so lucky to have a Lord that will provide us with grace and mercy when we choose the wrong path. In Mere Christianity, he explains, My argument against God was that the universe seemed so cruel and unjust. She provides for its every need. Her podcast, Take Your Territory with Jamie Rohrbaugh, is available on iTunes and Spotify. Romans 8:28-30 - And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. These wrong choices may cause of pain, but they can help us learn and grow and make better choices in the future. In times of deep, personal pain, those who have gone through a similar experience and can offer empathy in the moment and hope for the future are often the best source of comfort. God gave us each a mind to think with reason in the hopes that we will follow His Will. I would encourage you to write out this verse in a notebook or on a piece of paper. These things are just promised but promised by a God who keeps His promises. It could be something small, such as parents losing sleep to care for their sick children. Not only does God care and empathize with us in our suffering, but He can also bring good out of it. This is the goal of the Christian, and everything in life, including the trials and tribulations, is designed to enable us to reach that goal. Our obedience is actually part of our assurance that we truly know God (1 John 2:3). He Himself will live among His people. King David was the second king of Israel. That is easier." The woman preferred being told what to do instead of using a precious gift from her Creator, the gift of free will. Proverbs 16:4 (CSB) "The Lord has prepared everything for his purpose even the wicked for the day of disaster." One might get the impression this verse is saying that God actually creates people wicked; that he purposefully authors evil. "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Far too often, we trust in our own hearts. This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. But we see Gods goodness in the way He can redeem the worst situations we can experience. Natural disasters, death, murder, depression, betrayal and injustice are not good. We must ask God to help us make choices that please Him. In this psalm, we see that God cherishes and nourishes us like a mother does her baby. What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? 10 Classic Hymns You Might Remember and Why They're Important. God chose to save you rather than spare Himself pain. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? Youll be nicer and more positive. What the Bible Says About How Choices Create Our Future There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. It is for our good, and it causes good in our life. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, Psalm 119:30. In order for us to be truly free, God had to allow something which is not his good moral will to exist so we can be absolutely f. How Do We Reconcile God's Sovereignty and Human Free Will? David wrote many sacred songs, called psalms, which are recorded in the Bible in the Book of Psalms. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. Our family has had many needs met in wonderful ways. Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Ivan Nadaski. So how do you work out your own salvation if you cant save yourself by works? Sometimes, God uses suffering to bring you closer to Him. Do what it says. The book of Job in the Old Testament mentions a rather unique creature that doesn't seem to fit any animal living today. Genesis reports that. What can we learn about these three things? Gods presence brings justice (Psalm 17:2). Even better, this time we will be unable to spoil Gods perfect creation. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Find out more about how you can understand the will of God. As we read through some of these pages, we can see three major aspects of Gods character. Its hard to even imagine turning on the news without hearing about something terrible that has happened. Jesus was rejected by the people He showed love to. He knew He would be raised from death three days later. Scripture says, God works " all things according to the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11). One of the most famous psalms on provision is. Find out more about how you can know God personally. 1 John 5:2-3, By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. Seeing God at work in suffering can bring you joy and hope amid the pain and hardship. God can open doors when you least expect it, and He might be working behind the scenes to change your life. Are you struggling with making good choices? by Don Henson Wouldn't life be less complicated if we were prevented from making harmful choices? Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. Dont let my enemies gloat, saying, We have defeated him! He paused and wept with them. Here are sixteen Bible passages that help us understand why God allows the presence of evil and suffering in the world: God has a purpose in everything he allows. Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. If you do not yet have a relationship with God, He wants you to turn to Him. We can rest in a God who is just. 2. He wants to help you. This is what our hearts long for when we are grieved by the suffering around us and in our own lives. Really, though, its only my body that wants it. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ learned obedience (Heb. A home. We see this in the description of the first time Jesus performs a miracle in John 2:1-11. We can also see how much God cares for our suffering in John 11. Psalm 13 is a great example of this: O LORD, how long will You forget me? It is essential for our ministers to reflect the diverse populations we are reaching with the gospel, How can God be good when there is so much suffering in the world?. Lewis from believing in God. We see this in the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. Watch NEWSMAX LIVE for the latest news and analysis on today's top stories, right here on Facebook. Gods ultimate plan will be accomplished. Here are five things about Gods presence that Psalms teaches us. God is omniscient ( Psalm 139:1-6 ), and He knows the future ( Isaiah 46:10 ). Maybe so. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. But these changes wont happen right away. This simple statement, famous for being the shortest verse in the Bible, is profound. Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. When you are faced with the choice, always choose to obey God. Philippians 4:6-7 says, Dont worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Romans 15:13 is a great example of an encouraging prayer. If you are a parent, and you tell your child not to steal but they choose to steal anyway, they will face consequences. Required fields are marked *. What does the Bible say about decision-making? The truth is, though, that we are all going to make mistakes. How long will You look the other way? Help create welcoming spaces for diverse communities, Causing Suffering Versus Allowing Suffering, God Has Experienced Suffering and Understands Your Pain, How God Shows His Goodness Amid Suffering, Its OK to Ask God to Take Away Your Suffering, Jesus Suffered, and His Followers Will Too, hope in a world that sometimes feels hopeless, God can rescue anyone from the dark forces at work in the world, ability to care for others who are suffering. But how had I got this idea of just and unjust? . If you look at moments like this as having no purpose, it will add to your sense of suffering. NEWSMAX Saturday, June 24, 2023 - Facebook When It Hurts So Bad Youre Afraid Youll Die, 5 Ways to Ask God to Increase Your Prayer Life. Start your day with devotional readings written by Dr. Henry Morris, Dr. Henry Morris III, Dr. John Morris, and others to strengthen and encourage you in your Christian faith. God does that for us! 5. Adam also chose to eat the fruit, knowing that it was against Gods one command. Our rejection of God and all the things that result from it are what the Bible calls sin. How does a mother care for her child? What the Bible says about Choice,Power of - Bible Tools God continues to respect our choice of whether or not to live under His authority and protection. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! The two trees in the garden (tree of life and tree of the knowledge of good and evil) provided an exercise in choice (obedience), with rewards for choosing to obey and sad consequences for choosing to disobey. When you or someone you love has been a victim of a crime, for instance, it can change the way you look at people around you and your feelings of general security. He gives us the honor of. While few countries today are ruled by sovereigns, it was common in ancient times. The Bible advises, Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14). Following Jesus is not easy or comfortable, but it is worthwhile because the suffering you experience in this life is nothing compared to the joys of spending eternity with God (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). In the book of Psalms, we find such encouraging words, dealing with emotions, life circumstances, and deep theological thoughts. What are the biblical principles for solid decision-making? If we were to list Gods promises to us we would run out of paper and words. But I WANT that chocolate! But sometimes God will call you to choose the path of suffering for the sake of others and for His ultimate glory, just as Jesus did. Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. Sometimes it can be hard to even want to do the right thing. That very impulse is a longing that God gave us so that we would look for something beyond this life. God will create great paths for you, so don't feel like your options are limited. . Why God Allows Choice | The Institute for Creation Research Gods provision doesnt just cover our physical needs. How do we reconcile that idea with all the pain and suffering we see and experience? He is your loving Father, ready to embrace you right where you are.