God’s Absolute Power
Photo by Christine Grosso
Why doesn’t God stop any of our tribulations? I was discussing this very subject with a friend. Her sister was married to a very difficult man. Without meeting him, I would think he fits the description of a narcissist. He seemed to delight in controlling this lady’s spending, her time, and her outside interests. She loved this man and did not want to end this marriage but she was at her wits end as to how to change him. This divorce question is asked by nearly every person attending Divorce Support Group. We must realize that it is not our job to change anyone BUT ourselves. God gave man free will so even He doesn’t change others.
But, why doesn’t God change the situation?
• God hates sin but loves the sinner.
Even though others may seem very difficult, we must remember that they are God’s creation. He loves them and is in their journey. We have no responsibility to accept their sinful or destructive behaviors, but we must continue to love them. This may be difficult and may require much help from the Holy Spirit.
• God gave each person free-will. He will not take that from any of us.
Free will is a gift. (Sometimes I have a hard time accepting this as it would seem easier if God would just consider me a robot and make my decisions.) God loves us and wants a relationship with each of His children. If He took free will from us, He would not have the beauty of us approaching Him out of love instead of control. Also, we would not have the incentive to get to know Him better so that we can hear His loving directives.
• God does not give us more than we can handle.
You know this as scripture. You may think you have reached your limit; yet, this may be a sign that you are not calling on the Holy Spirit to help you or you are not applying His prescribed actions.
For instance, are you spending enough time in prayer, Bible study, counseling, support group, or reading about the issues at hand? Are you seeing this as the spouse’s problem and holding out for your partner to take the corrective measures? Perhaps you are responding the only way you know how and it is totally toxic to this relationship. Get help!
• God has an “out of the box” overview.
He has purposes we do not see. He knows our hearts and our efforts. He knows if we are depending on His strength to get us through difficult times. This is a form of flattery that He is showing us. Accept it as such and thank Him that He thinks you are able and worthy to get through this time. He wants to use this experience to mature you and He knows that others are watching God’s work via your heartache and healing. You have been put on stage as a witness for God’s faithfulness. Paul says in I Corinthians 4:8, “We are like a show for the whole world to see…” He was aware that other’s were watching the apostles and him to see if they were living what they were preaching. Consider it a true honor from your Creator to be an examle for Him.
• Our purpose in life is glorifying God which is often in the form of helping others.
One of the reasons Jesus was sent to earth was to become human like us, to experience all the heartache and difficulties that we face. If He had not, we would discount His words and advice as we would not feel He really understands us.
In the same way, God is suggesting that He has work for us that comes through the knowledge we gain in our suffering. Those with similar sufferings are usually the best comforters. Trust me, whatever your sufferings, God will use it for His glory if you are willing to be obedient. He knows you are up to the task.