Does a lack of problems indicate that God approves of what you're doing, or many problems indicate that He disapproves? I suggest not. Paul had many problems in his life, but he is regarded as a workman approved by God.
2 Corinthians 11:23-28 (New International Version - UK)
23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,
26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.
27 I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
2 Timothy 4:6-7 (New International Version - UK)
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
But God's grace was enough to get him through.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (New International Version - UK)
9 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
In fact, I believe if we are doing God's will, we should expect difficulties, but He will help us though them.
Matthew 24:9 (New International Version - UK)
9 Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.
John 15:19-21 (New International Version - UK)
19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
20 Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
2 Timothy 3:12 (New International Version - UK)
12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
Psalm 28:7 (New International Version - UK)
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
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Approval is an interesting word in itself full of emotional connotations. It may need unpacking to begin with.
ReplyDeleteIt strikes me that God accepts us - due to Grace/Jesus sacrifice, however I am not sure that the Truthful nature of Christ 'approves' when we are outside of Him by ignoring reality or telling ourselves lies. I am not sure that that means he loves or accepts us any less, but I am not sure if it's completely untrue that he doesn't disprove (approve I suppose) of us.
I think it's a good question. I also think I need to explore and provide some biblical backing for my opinion :) ie Jesus explain that he is the way the Truth and the Life.
I don't think our life is devoid of problems when God approves of us, but I do think that many of our problems are because we don't align ourselves with Reality/Truth or His will, which I think are all the same thing.
That raises the question of how to discern whether the trials we happen to be facing are due to our own defecting thinking (which will lead to poor decisions), or whether they are the "trials of many kinds" that test our faith and develop perseverance (James 1:2-3).
ReplyDeleteIs there any difference? I see them as the same thing. They are both opportunity to grow/change/become stronger.
ReplyDelete