Im new to the community I would like to know when you are called by God why do things start falling apart in your life so many trials and tribulation why is it becuase I am not following my call from god
4 Likes
Hi @diane, and welcome. I’m so sorry for the pain and difficulty you are going through right now. I’m thankful that you’re here pursuing God through honest and heartfelt questions.
I love the Psalms because they show us that we are not alone in the pain and confusion we experience. Psalm 73 in particular really wrestles with why sometimes the wicked prosper while those who follow God are stricken. It’s good to bring the pain, difficulty, and confusion to God and cry out to Him because He is the one our hope is in.
As for the why, it could be from a failure to follow God, but it also may not be.
God can absolutely display His judgement on earth and discipline His people, such as the storm and whale that He sent when Jonah sought his own way, the Exile when the people of Israel were unfaithful, or the exhortation we are given in Heb 12:4-12.
So, when experiencing pain, it can be worth asking if what you are experiencing is a natural consequence of ongoing sin in your life, examining for areas you may not be following God in, and going to trusted community to see if there are patterns of sin you may be blind to. But it’s important to do so knowing that, God disciplines us as children whom He loves.
Yet, it is just as important to know that not every bad thing that happens is due to sin or from failing to follow God. As Jesus taught the disciples in John 9:1-7, the man’s blindness was not a result of his sin but instead was a means of showing the works of God through his healing. So too Jesus’ death on the cross, was not due to His sin (for surely he had none) but instead was a sacrifice for our sins through which we can be reconciled to Him.
Jesus warns us in John 15:18-25 that, as the world hated and persecuted Him, so all those who follow Him will be hated and persecuted. And so the Holy Spirit through Peter exhorts us in 1 Peter 4:12-19
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
I think that last verse is key! Even in our suffering God is faithful, He is working all things for our good (Rom 8:28) and the weight of glory that will be revealed when Christ comes again far surpasses any affliction we experience now (2 Cor 4:17)! So through it all, God is more than worth, and we can take hope in the judgement, resurrection, and glory to come when all things will be made new and we may dwell with God (Rev 21:1-5)!
4 Likes
I can relate to what you’re going through. Despite my consistent prayers and efforts to stay faithful to Christ, I find myself facing various challenges such as financial struggles, emotional turmoil, and a sense of spiritual stagnation. I hold onto my faith, believing that God will safeguard me from harm and that He is constantly present to help me. However, there are times when I struggle to feel His presence, and it almost feels like He is distant or withdrawing from me.
4 Likes
Thank you for sharing this with me I understand now it that we suffers because Jesus Christ suffered on earth for our sins we can definitely go thru pain just like our Lord and Savior did I thank you dearly keep praising God
I thank you for your kind words I understand we sometimes suffer because we worship the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior who suffered our pain and died for our sins I thank him everyday for my sins