Got Troubles? 2

The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish. There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. [Proverbs 14.11-12]

In continuation of the topic I discussed yesterday, there is more supporting evidence to suggest that we carefully consider our circumstances to determine whether we are on track with God or not.

Wickedness brings destruction.

Godliness brings blessings.

The verse that follows however really speaks to the problem I have been seeing and writing about some time now. People 'think' they are right. But our circumstances really tell the story: if we look at our lives and see 'flourishing' (blessings and good things), then we can conclude that God has indeed blessed us. However, if we look at our lives and see destruction (sickness, loss, troubles), then we can conclude that we need to repent... And here is the point: it may seem like we are right, but that means NOTHING! Our circumstances tell the truth - not our self-proclaimed righteousness!

I apologize if this offends anyone, but there is so much scripture to support this that it cannot be ignored. Following God is not difficult - and it is certainly no mind game! God has been very plain throughout the Bible: obedience brings blessings, disobedience brings troubles. It has been man that has complicated things by denying the obvious meaning of troubles and refusing to repent!

The problem with doctrine that says sometimes God blesses and sometimes God brings trouble (not associated with disobedience and therefore not requiring repentance) is that it becomes a huge guessing game whether troubles are because we have sinned or because God is blessing us! There is nothing that a person can rely on in that kind of doctrine. It makes God and faith in God both wishy-washy.

We must resist the temptation to make God a liar when troubles come our way by denying our need to repent.

Got troubles? Repent.

Father, the troubles in my life are clear - I need to repent. Forgive me for the stupidity of sin in my life, but also please forgive me for the absurdity of not fulling trusting in Jesus as my Redeemer!