Consequence or A Trial?

Consequence or a Trial?

Psalm 34:19 – “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

Going through some sort of trial?  Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, maybe you’re in a financial crisis.  Maybe there is some sort of illness you can’t seem to get over.  When we stumble across afflictions we should first ask ourselves, consequence of sin or a trial.  Galatians 6:7 states “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”  There are some instances that we may bring the pain upon ourselves due to our inability to make right choices or overcome sin and then there is pain we don’t cause.  Let’s try some examples to help establish what is a consequence or a trial.

1.  “I lost my job because I stole some supplies while my other workers weren’t looking”

2.  “I’m having strife at work with my boss because I said no when he asked me to cut some corners on tax form.”

3.  “My wife is giving me a hard time at home because I’am spending to much time at the office.”

4.  “I’ve fallen into drunkenness, I thought it was safe to just have one drink here and there but now I can’t go somewhere without having one.”

Can you spot the one that is a trial and the others that are consequences of wrong behavior and actions?  If not I’ll give you the answer , its #2.

When we are faced with a trial we should remember Psalm 34:19 – ” “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.” If we are faced with a consequence and have come to full repentance then we should look at and memorize Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” What an amazing God we serve, when we mess up he turns it around for our good.  Be encouraged, God loves you, just turn from your sin and He will meet you.

-Scott