I don't think God chooses to make bad things happen to us. In Luke 11:11-13, the scriptures say that if we, being evil,know how to give good gifts toour children, how much more will our heavenly Father give the Holy Spiritto us.
I also don't think every bad thingthat happens to us is from our sin or bad decisions either. In John 9, Jesus' disciples asked if a man was blind because of his sins or his parent's and Jesus answered, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents: but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This is where faith comes in...allowing God's glory to shine in yourcircumstances without understanding all of the reasons.
When we pray and it seems likeGod doesn't care or that Jesus doesn't want to do something to change a situation for us, the thing I remember is that Jesus HAS done something. He died once for all -- all people, all sin, all suffering.
If I am to believe that "All things work together for the good, of those who are called according to his purposes," then I have to view pain, grief, and suffering as the catalysts in the process of building up new spiritual muscles. Just like in physical muscle building, it takes work, time, and some discomfort to define our muscles. Why should it work differently for our spiritual muscles? It's not exactly pleasant work in either situation but it yields strength, confidence (in God's presence), beauty, and a "core" that supports the whole person -- and God's work is mightilydisplayed.
__________________
"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the ONE I can change, and the wisdmon to know that it's ME"
WOW!!We've been on the same wavelengh it appears..I've been doing a study on joy...This verse kind of goes with what you are saying..
Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
The joy was a future event..too many times we Christians want stuff now...Now isn't always God's way..
WOW!!We've been on the same wavelengh it appears..I've been doing a study on joy...This verse kind of goes with what you are saying..
Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
The joy was a future event..too many times we Christians want stuff now...Now isn't always God's way..
Amen chuck,,, we should always strive to make our way Gods way! but its not always easy
__________________
"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the ONE I can change, and the wisdmon to know that it's ME"
"And I agree. Its nice whenwe agree. " Amen to that.
Psalm 133:2[/color]3Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
Amen chuck,,, we should always strive to make our way Gods way! but its not always easy
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Yup, it's not always easy but it's always the best way, Amen...
__________________
wayne
"There's room at the cross for you."
Lets pump a little iron for Christ
I've been doing a study on joy...This verse kind of goes with what you are saying..
However it is a good post. And I agree. Its nice whenwe agree. 
