Lessons We'd Rather Not Learn

February 28, 2017
 
                                              Lesson’s We’d Rather Not Learn
 
I saw an episode recently of the old television show “Happy Days” in which Richie Cunningham has been “grounded for life” by his father Howard for breaking some clearly defined rules.
 
As father and son discussed the incident Howard says, “did you know there is a lesson in this for you?”  Richie’s response was priceless: “I figured anything with this much pain had to have a lesson in it somewhere.”
 
The practical New Testament letter of James says it this way:  2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James1: 2-4).   We might wonder at times what the lesson might be in the midst of our pain and suffering, but we know and believe that God can use it for good.  Joseph in the Old Testament couldn’t understand why God would allow him to be sold into slavery by his evil brothers.  Yet later in Genesis 50:20 he would declare, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
 
You may not understand the pain and anguish you are experiencing at this moment but believe that God can turn it around and use it for good.  (look up Romans 8:28).  Like Ritchie look for the lessons that must be in there somewhere.  And know this – as you suffer, Christ is always near.  Let Him wrap you in His loving arms and let him carry you through.
 
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
 
 
If you would like to comment or if you have questions for Pastor Barry you may direct those to bglawson75@gmail.com.   We would love to hear from you.