The Tribune

By CARLOS SPENCER

Every negative or bad situation has something positive associated with it. We just have to trust God and believe in His word. This principle is made clear in Romans 8:28 (KJV): “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.” We must love God. This is critical. Secondly, we should realize that “work together for good” refers to God Himself, and not to us. This second point is often overlooked.

Everyone experiences difficult times. It has nothing to do with race, creed, social, political or financial status, etc. For some of us the lesson can be too difficult or painful for one to appreciate the silver lining. Sacrifices, hurt and moments of denial are often experienced, but the eventual blessing makes it all worthwhile. The events in Job’s life makes this point extremely well. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:33 (KJV): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Moreover, the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV): “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” We grow spiritually as a result, and therein is the silver lining. God is at work making all things better for good. Just awesome!

Hebrews 12:5-6 (KJV) expounds on this important principle from scripture: “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him. For whom the lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son who he receiveth.”

God will rebuke us when we err, and he will also rebuke us to prevent us from engaging in sin. Our spiritual walk with our Creator is intensified in direct proportion with the challenges we encounter......and subsequently overcome.

Life has it challenges, and the Apostle Paul provides ample illustration of what he endured. In 2 Corinthians 12:8 (KJV) Paul wrote: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.” Even Jesus prayed “O my father, if it be possible. Let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matthew 26:39)

The silver lining is ever present in our trials and tribulations. We simply need to open our hearts and minds and look for it. God is God and He does not make mistakes. We are required to accept Him into our lives, trust, believe and obey.

We are admonished in James 1:2-3 to “count it all joy”. Amen. Thanks be to God for the sharing of His Word.