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Why does God do this to me?Newsletter #173 - March 1993

Why are things as they are in this world? Why is there suffering in the world? You need to know. Because

until you learn the advantage a Christian has over suffering, the world might not be such a pleasant place foryou to live in. I have noticed an increasein the number of people writing to Shepherd's Chapel stating they can not cope with all of their problems andasking, "Why does God allow this to happen? Why does God do this to me?"

God expects his children to cope within the nature of the world He has created. Usually, suffering is self-inflicted. I strongly recommend an honest self analysis the next time you are having difficulties coping withyour problems. Are you following the rules for healthy living written in the Bible?

Nowhere in the Bible is it written the life of a Christian is easy. The Lord did not promise us that thingswould always be "smooth sailing". He did promise He would never forsake you no matter how difficult thetroubles of this world become. Suffering is not pleasant; however, we are usually tempered by suffering andbecome a better person. We learn from our experiences and improve with that experience in life.

You will have no trouble coping with problems, if you will use the intelligence God has given you and learnthe advantage you have over suffering. To fully understand the advantage we must consider two questions.First, who is in control? And second, from what source is suffering alleviated or relieved? Let us go to the

Bible and pick it up with Paul speaking of Jesus in His majesty.Col 1:1515 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Christ is the exact image of God.Col 1:1616 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whetherthey be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Understand the power Paul is speaking of. He was talking about the divine Godhead. He who created not

only what is on the earth but that in Heaven as well.Col 1:1717 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

If you want to be on the winning team, this is the team to be on.Col 1:1818 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in allthings he might have the preeminence.

In other words, He is in control.

Col 1:1919 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

In Him fullness of that Godhead would dwell.Col 1:2020 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; byhim, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

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He is not only in control for things that happen to those that have passed on to Him in Heaven, He is incontrol of what happens to you today.Col 1:21-2221 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath hereconciled22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in hissight:

It is there for you if you want to participate. He will reconcile your short comings. Think back on all the sinsyou have committed. Through Him all of these sins are completely washed away.Col 1:2323 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel,which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul ammade a minister;

When we are really suffering, we often remember the goodness of the gospel. In fact, we often turn to itmore strongly in times of trouble. Remember, He is always there with you.Col 1:24-25

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in myflesh for his body's sake, which is the church:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfilthe word of God;

In other words, to see God's Word taught to every creature. Paul said it has caused me suffering as it hascaused Christ suffering in His passion on the cross. Paul knew who to turn to in his time of suffering. Do you?This is not to say turn to God and ask, "Why have you done this to me?" Don't turn your troubles over to Goduntil you have done everthhing in your power. Try an honest self-analysis before you blame God.Phil 1:28-2928 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of

salvation, and that of God.29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

Teaching Christ may bring about, in fact most likely will bring about, suffering caused by the adversaries ofChrist. If your adversaries are terrifying you and you are of Christ, they are of the Devil. When your teachingsoffend the adversaries, then you must be doing a pretty good job for the Lord. He will bring you through it.You will be a stronger person for having endured. Now let us answer the second question posed earlier. Fromwhat source is suffering alleviated?II Cor 1:33 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of allcomfort;

There is no comfort unless it is from Him or one of His.

II Cor 1:44 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, bythe comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

This is what makes Christianity so precious. Christianity is not a religion, it is reality. You know it is realitywhen you are able to actually feel His presence, and He strengthens you so you are able to pull through thehard times. Then you are able to help others through the hard times. Don't ever forget that!

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II Cor 1:5-65 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.6 And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring ofthe same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

You are going to be a better person for suffering. It is in your best interest. Never forget who the comforteris. There are promises made in the gospel that will alleviate any anxiety you are caused by suffering.II Cor 1:7

7 And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also ofthe consolation.

You are going to make it through. Read on through the thirteenth verse of this book in your studies, andyou will learn that as long as God has a purpose on earth for you, you will have the victory. He that is incontrol knows you, cares about you, guides and protects you.II Cor 12:7-87 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given tome a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Paul asked the Lord to remove his suffering three times. The Words of Jesus follow in parenthesis. Readthem carefully and consider Paul's response. When you are suffering, remember them.II Cor 12:99 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Mostgladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Let me carry the suffering, if His strength is upon me.II Cor 12:1010 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses forChrist's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Paul was strong when he was weak because he knew when to turn it over to God. Do everything in your

power to overcome problems. You should also know when to turn the problem over to God and have the faiththat He has the ability and will take care of you.In His Service,