“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5: 3-4).

Bad things happen. It is never a question of ‘if’ but ‘when.’

When bad things happen people often ask, “Why is this happening to me?” When most people ask this question, they ask it as if they did nothing wrong and the entire universe is against them. I am a decent human being…why is this bad thing happening to me?

Given there are times when bad things happen to us and it is totally out of our sphere of control. However, a majority of the bad things that happen have a lot to do with our own choosing.

• Why is this (speeding ticket) happening to me? – isn’t it pretty obvious?
• Why is this (DWI) happening to me? – hmmm. I wonder why.
• Why is this (disease) happening to me? – pretty sure one’s diet, exercise habits, and life choices might have something to do with it.

“Why is this happening to me?” is actually a very good self-awareness question to process. Because almost always the reason why this – whatever this is – is happening to you is because you chose it. It was your decisions that got you what you are going through. So ask it and take ownership of it.

This is a fantastic question to ask yourself, but it is always the wrong question to ask regarding God. It is always an inappropriate question to ask God because God didn’t make you do anything. You made those choices. Rather, the question followers of Jesus ought to ask when bad things happen is, “How can I glorify God in this?”

This is what Paul was talking about when he wrote, “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character, and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4).

Why is this happening? – that’s a good question to ask ourselves.
How can I glorify God in this? – that’s a good question to ask regarding God.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

If you have the time I encourage you to read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11. Before we get to our text, you will notice that verses 1-10 are about discernment. This is important.

This is important because some people must believe that God gives us wisdom to criticize, cut down, and destroy God’s people and God’s church.

If God does give us insight and wisdom, if God does give us discernment, it is always for the purposes of building up Christ’s church and building up Christ’s people. If God gives us discernment it is so that we can pray for others. Discernment from God is never for the purposes of tearing down and criticizing God’s church.

Therefore, if God gives you wisdom and insight, encourage one another. With the wisdom and insight God gives you, build each other up, for this is God’s will. For this delights God’s heart.

Satan loves confusion, chaos, fear, and anxiety. Those are the ingredients satan desires to tear down God’s work.

You, on the other hand, since you already know satan’s MO, encourage one another and build each other up.

“Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness'” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9).

I don’t like this text. And, I’m pretty sure you’re not going to like this text either.

I don’t like this text. I don’t like this text because when I pray I want God to answer my prayers in the way I want them answered.

I don’t like this text. I don’t like this text because it tells me that sometimes God answers with a straight out “Nope.”

I don’t like this text. I don’t like this text because, not only does God say “Nope,” God says I am going to keep the pain that’s paining you ongoing.

What? What’s that about? Why would God want me to continue being in pain?!?! Doesn’t God care?

Listen. Sometimes God answers our prayers not with the relief we were seeking, but with his grace and strength for us to endure the pain.

I don’t want that! But God does. You know why?

Because God is more interested in our growth and maturity than he is in our comfort.
Because there are certain lessons that can only be learned as we go through a season of discomfort.
Because there are certain truths that we can only come to understand when we recognize our weakness.

I don’t like this text. But I thank God for his genuine desire for what is best for me…and aren’t you glad that this is his desire for you?