“Why do bad things happen to good people?”, has been an age-old puzzling question. In spite of their devotion, godliness, and clean life, when saints passed through untold agonies, they asked in frustration, “why me?” or “how long?”. The story of Job, the confusion of Asaph in Psalm 73 and the perplexing questions of Prophet Habakkuk are some of the examples of this dilemma.

THE REALITY

Remember, suffering is not just confined to Christians; everyone grieves in one way or other. Job puts it precisely, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1 ESV).

a. As part of Adamic generation.

Ever since Adam fell into sin, everyone born into his generation is bearing its consequences. All the pain and sorrow, even death resulted basically due to sin (Genesis 3:17 – 19; Rom. 5:12). Even though we have been liberated from the bondage of sin and enjoy all the blessings of the heavenly places in Christ, we continue to live in this cursed earth and environment. Further, we live in a body that is frail and decaying.

b. As part of the new creation.

Tribulation is also part of the divine process by which we are being prepared for God’s kingdom. (Acts 14:22; 1Thess. 3:3; 1Peter 4:12) God in His wisdom allows various forms of trials to teach, mould, and purify His people. As a loving Father, He chastens us to correct when we go astray (Hebrews 12:5 – 8).

c. As part of the body of Christ.

Another reason behind the inevitable sorrows of the saints is the satanic opposition to the body of Christ. Satan hates Christ our Lord and His people. He finds it more convenient to attack the body of Christ than the Lord Himself who is in glory today.
       So, we can never expect a better treatment than what our Lord received from this world (John 15:20, 21; 16:33; 17:14). As we follow Christ’s footsteps, it is foolishness to expect a trouble-free life in this world (1Peter 2:21 – 23).
       Thus, a Christian’s sufferings are threefold than the ordinary man's. We face all kinds of afflictions from every corner (James 1:2c; 2Cor. 4:8; 11:23). Such fiery trials adversely affect us physically (2Cor. 4:16; 6:5; 11:23), mentally (2Cor. 1:8, 9; 4:10), and socially (Luke 23:18; John 19:15; Acts 21:36; 22:2).

THE RESPONSE

In the midst of such bitter, tearful experiences, God’s people persevered joyfully (James 1:2; 1Peter 1:6, 8). Their ‘manifold trials’ did not diminish their ‘unspeakable joy’ (Acts 5:41; 2Cor. 6:37; Hab. 3:17, 18). In fact, troubles only strengthened their faith and hope in the Lord. Apostle Paul poignantly stated, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2Cori. 12:10).
       We have plenty of examples in the scripture that reveal how the godly took the time of weeping as a time to ...->>>More

NTK

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Out line:-

Tears Shed by Different Persons

1. The Saviour’s Tears, Luke 19:41; John 11: 35
2. The penitent sinner’s tears, Luke 7: 38 – 44
3. The saint’s tears, John 20: 11; Acts 20:37
4. The servant’s tears, Acts 20: 19 – 31; Phil 3:18
5. The backslider’s tears, Luke 22: 62
6. The lost sinner’s tears, Matthew 8:12; 22:13

W.J.M

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Anecdote: -

Shaping of a stone

An evangelist narrated the following story:
       “I have a friend who in a time of business recession lost his job, a sizable fortune, and his beautiful home. To add to his sorrow, his precious wife died; yet he tenaciously held to his faith -- the only thing he had left.
       One day when he was out walking in search of employment, he stopped to watch some men who were doing stonework at a large church. One of them was chiseling a triangular piece of rock.
       'Where are you going to put that?' he asked. The workman said, 'Do you see that little opening up there near the spire? Well, I'm shaping this stone down here so that it will fit in up there.'
       Tears filled my friend's eyes as he walked away, for the Lord had spoken to him through that laborer whose words gave new meaning to his troubled situation.”

— Daily Bread.

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Practical: -

The beautiful flavor of life

By Joy Murickal Issac, Kerala

One of the most interesting facts is life has many flavors to color it and make it fruitful. There are many joys, luxuries, sufferings, fellowship, loneliness, etc. Among these, several people have the experience that sufferings are the best. I don’t think anyone in this world survive without suffering. Afflictions and sufferings are essential for nurturing human beings. As an example, if you want to study anything, you have to sacrifice your time and many comfort zones. The people who have knowledge take this as quite natural. Understand different kinds of suffering and take measures to mitigate them. The following are the different kinds of suffering:

1. Sufferings for a positive result
2. Sufferings for a negative result
3. Sufferings due to illicit acts, wrong motivation, unhealthy practices, etc.
4. Sufferings due to natural processes such as old age, childhood, austerity, etc.

Apostle Peter has written much about suffering, presenting the sufferings ....More

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Exhortation: -

GOD’s PROVIDENCE EVEN WHEN HIS PEOPLE ARE TROUBLED

By Dr. Jaison Jacob, Kerala

Once the disciples asked the Lord Jesus, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" (Mark 4:38). Christ was sleeping peacefully in the midst of a great windstorm and waves, but the apostles were very much frightened and doubted the Lord’s care for them. Similarly, Martha too questioned with bitterness and perplexity, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, tell her to help me." (Luke 10: 40).
       Both these examples show us that either due to adverse circumstances or even while serving the Lord we may get tired and feel exhausted, sometimes to the point of doubting the Lord.
       The scripture reveals that our Lord does care for us and there is no need to doubt or question His thoughts for us (Psa. 40:5). He does everything well for us at the right time. Remember, in the midst of confusion and anxiety, our trust and confidence should be in the providence of God alone. If anything else is the basis of our hope and rest, we become restless in its absence.
       The regular study of God’s word enlarges our view of God and His purposes. And such a high view of the Lord and His care helps us to face life’s trials without any frustration and bitterness.
       The book of Esther highlights the providence of God and beautifully illustrates how our Lord prepares everything in advance for His people. In Chapter 2, we notice three things in connection with the providence of God.

a. The providential protection of Esther.

God graciously protected and provided for this captive orphan girl in a foreign land.

b. The providential promotion of Esther.

God prepared the situation in such a way that Esther found favour and kindness before the king (2:17). This ensured her safety, sustenance, and exaltation.

c. The providential preparation of Mordecai.

God prepared Mordecai in advance for his unique ministry (2: 21, 22). How wonderfully God made it possible for Mordecai to be in the right place at the right time! Let’s consider few lessons on divine providence……More

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Worthy Quotes:-