No Simple Answer

But as for me, I will always proclaim what God has done; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. For God says, “I will break the strength of the wicked, but I will increase the power of the godly.” [Psalm 75.9-10]

If God says He will break the strength of the wicked, can we not conclude that if our strength is broken that we have been wicked?

If God says He will increase the power of the godly, can we not conclude that if we are increased in power that we have been godly?

I know these conclusions are far too simple. But are they really?

The problem is, most of us think we are righteous. Even when we encounter broken strength, we maintain our claim of righteousness. Instead of understanding that something is awry in our lives, we reject any such confession, and declare our innocence regardless of what the Bible says.

Here is where it gets interesting: Jesus died to forgive us. So, when we encounter difficulties, should we claim the blood of Jesus confessing our woes away or humbly repent?

The answer is simple: we should do both... but we must repent first.

Repentance is a unique thing. Repentance is impossible for a person as long as pride exists in his or her heart. Pride's first response is, "I didn't do anything wrong!" True repentance says, "I have obviously sinned." People forget that the Bible is very clear that "there is none righteous - not one." People rightly claim the righteousness of faith in Christ, but far too many fail to do so without first repenting as Jesus Himself commanded.

Oh, there is much to be considered here! And, then there is the one instance where Jesus' disciples asked, "who sinned?" to which Jesus answered, "neither the man nor his parents" - but is it unreasonable to conclude that because the man in question was indeed a man, that sin was present? Are we somehow to conclude that Jesus was saying the guy was sinless? Would Jesus deny the Word of God that says all have sinned? Indeed problems abound in this one instance - but do we build doctrines around this one instance denying the overriding teaching of the entire Bible otherwise?

Question: what is the harm in repenting? Even if we don't know what we did, is it wrong to draw Biblical conclusions about our condition and take responsibility? Would it not be more advantageous to repent "just in case" instead of not repenting and risk being wrong?

The problem is that we categorically reject the idea that we could be wrong and not know it. Instead of accepting that idea, we would rather stretch the truth of God's Word to proudly charge God (uncharacteristically) with unpredictability (calling it sovereignty). Shame on us!

No, the answers aren't easy. But it is important that we remain true to the whole of God's Word without giving in to our pride and arrogance. Anyone who claims to completely understand all this is simply deceived. But, we do have God's Word and His Spirit to guide us...

Father, there is much I do not understand. However, I am content to believe that You ARE good and DO good TO good. I am content to believe that sin yields every undesirable circumstance. I am content to believe that when I experience undesirable circumstances that I should repent - even if I don't understand. I know You will not reject a humble and  repentant heart. You are so good.