July 15th
Was It Really a Bad Thing?
One of the hardest things to believe is that "Not all bad things are bad." As I check the record of these messages I find that of the many, many books of the Bible that I have quoted from the passage in Romans 8:28 is at the top.
"We know that ALL THINGS work together for GOOD to them that love the Lord..."This means your affliction, your trials, your persecutions and your calamities that come your way. Two examples:
The first personal. If I had not had my automobile wreck in 1958 I would not have been detained at the Graduate School in New Orleans for an additional quarter. It was during that time that my wife, Nancy enrolled. Had I graduated our paths, probably, would never have crossed. So, I look back and say, "Wow, all bad things are not bad things. I am glad I was hospitalized and had a 2 month recovery. I don't praise God FOR it, but I praise God IN it."
The second example. A fishing fleet went out from a small harbor on the east coast of Newfoundland. In the afternoon a great storm developed. When night came, none of the vessels had returned. Naturally all were alarmed. Mothers, and children waited. To make matters worst - one of the cottages caught on fire. (This is a true story!!) With all the men away, all those left could do was to watch - it was impossible to save the home.
That was really bad, huh? But wait! The next morning the fleet was found to be safe in the harbor. When the wife of the house that had burned greeted her husband her face showed despair. He, however, "Thanked God." You see it was the light of that cottage that had led them safely home. So, ...was that bad, or what?
The things through which you are now going, my friend, are co-operating - they are mutually contributing to your good. (Trust me!!) It is a rough experience, but with those in the Bible we can say, "It has been good that we have been afflicted."
My prayer for you:
Lord, happenings that are negative are hard to live through. But may this one be teachable through such experiences. Encourage them that by faith they will be able to look back and thank God - as I did for my car accident.
Amen