What Makes The Difference?

I see so much pain and suffering in the world around me.  When I take my eyes off of myself I see it.  It’s everywhere; in my friends lives, in the newspapers, in my own family, in strangers.  I see hurting, hurting, hurting people wondering why, why, why?

“I feel like killing myself.”  Quote from a young lady who is suffering from depression.  “I am blessed.”  Quote from a lady who underwent a biopsy to see if she has cancer.  “He didn’t check on the injured player for over 25 minutes.”  Quote from a hurting mother of a high school soccer player who is unhappy with the coach.  “God is in control.”  Quote from a single mother struggling with the consequences of her divorce.  “Whatever my lot…it is well with my soul.”  Quote from a blind wife and mother of two.  “Consider it pure joy my brothers whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  Quote from a writer.  “Everything is OK.”  Quote from a mother of two children in the hospital.  “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  Quote from a man in prison. 

As I think back on the last couple of weeks and the conversations I have had with people, I am struck by the huge contrast in how people view their painful circumstances.  What makes the difference?  What it is that causes some people to be positive in their suffering and some people to be negative in their suffering? 

Tonight as I pondered that question, I sat down to do my Bible study.  While reading  the Word, God impressed upon my heart that it is He that makes the difference.  It is He that causes people to be positive in their suffering.  It is He that allows people to look past their circumstances and say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”  It is God Himself, rising up out of His Word and consuming us with His grace, goodness and mercy, so that we can “give thanks in all circumstances.”

I had to ask myself tonight; how will I react when my circumstances become painful.  It is my decision to make.  Will I run toward the devil by reacting negatively and allow him to have a foothold in my life.  Or, will I run to Jesus, dig into The Word and pour my heart out to God, allowing Him to be in control of every circumstance, knowing that “all things work together for good to those who love Christ and are called according to His purposes?” 

Am I going to claim that I am a Christ Follower, but in name only?  Or, am I going to live The Word?   “If you love me you will obey me.”  John 14:23.  Am I going to “be content whatever my circumstances?  Philippians 4:11.  Am I going to “consider it pure joy when I face trials of many kinds”?  James 1:2.  Am I going to “do everything without arguing or complaining so that you may become a blameless and pure child of God.”  Philippians 2:14.  Will I allow my circumstance to cause me to say, “it is well with my soul”? 

What makes the difference?  Living Jesus Christ, that’s what!

Encouraging You In Christ!
All Praise, Honor and Glory To God!