Our adversity shows us what we are made of, God already knows but He wants us to discover our need ourselves so we develop the desire to be changed by Him. He wants us completely dependent on Him.
Without the difficulties that expose our inner weaknesses, we cannot grow in holiness.
God will continue to bring difficulties to the believer until they admit their flaws, perhaps lack of faith, perhaps bitterness or selfishness, whatever is inside dominating our heart will be revealed in difficulties.
Hebrews 12:8. "8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons."
Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"
Anyone who boasts that they don't ever have trials because they think they are being so good should be worried after reading these verses.
When we know we cannot gain heaven by our own goodness, then we also know we cannot be good enough to earn blessings either.
God is not like human beings passing out blessings based on performance. God blesses us as He pleases whether or not we have measured up enough. His love transcends performance reaching into the soul to create in us a heart that seeks after Him in everything.
Proverbs 3:11-12
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.:"
God delights in us His children, notice that He disciplines those in whom He delights.
Job 5:17
"Blessed indeed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.v"
Those who choose to believe there is no reason to discipline them are not blessed and have no closeness to God, they only have their own false perceptions of themselves that they must continually prop up to feel special.
Prosperity preachers want people to focus on what they can get out of God and the wrong way to get it. They also foster resentment and judgment toward those who think they are being blessed by their own performance.
Psalm 119:67
"Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word."
What an amazing blessing to be one of God's children.
1 Corinthians 11:32
"But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world."
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