Troubling The Troubled

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- by Dan W. Dooley

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It is a certainty that in this life each and every one of us will experience hardships, disappointments and other troubles. Jesus never promised that we would live trouble free in this present world. On the contrary, He warned that we would be tried and tested. Those troubles may come in the form of physical illnesses, financial or job problems for instance. The presence or absence of problems is in no way related to whether or not we "deserve" either good nor bad.

Often, well meaning but misguided individuals - often loved ones who in reality do care about us - contend that misfortunes experienced are the results of wrongs in our lives. These will tell us that God is surely not pleased with something we're doing, or some other perceived fault and God is so to speak, "putting us in our place." They'll add that only after we seek forgiveness and make it right that God will remove the "punishment" from us and restore us. They may even claim to be able to name specifics for the wrongs.

I have a strong word for such advisors. Your words and accusations are lies of the enemy. Friends, if you are troubled by such "Job's friends," do not believe the lies. Rebuke the words and the massager. Recognize it for what it is. A lie. To accept them will only lead to hurt and false condemnation. If you are truly seeking God's will in your life, God through the Holy Spirit and His Word of Scripture will reveal the truth to you and you only. Under no circumstances will He reveal it to another for your benefit. No one is perfect but you may have sought God on that very matter - "Lord! What is wrong in my life which is causing such grief?" and the Lord reveals nothing to you. That is because the cause of the trials you're going through is NOT due to sin in your life. If you ask Him, He will reveal it. To YOU. If on the other hand, you are living in sin and rebellion against God's will for your life, YOU will be the one to know that and no one will have to tell you.

Job fought against such accusations. Likewise, Jesus had to correct His disciples when they asked Him "who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind." Neither. The man's condition was not in any way related to sin. Period!

Now if you're one who feels that you have a word for someone who is experiencing difficulties. If you feel that the person is doing so as the result of sin or other shortcoming in their life. If you feel that you even know what that sin is, my word to you is simple. Don't even think about it! If you want to go down a path which will destroy, and hurt others and will totally discredit and harm your own ministry, go ahead. If you do so, you will be following the wishes of the enemy and you'll suffer for it. You're totally in the wrong. You did not receive your prompting from God. Don't even think about doing it.

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Dan W. Dooley is husband, father, grandfather, and creator and owner of Dooley's Treasure Chest and Treasure Chest Ministries. He is an ordained minister in affiliation with United Christian Faith Ministries (UCFM).