Change for the Worse Happens
Change is happening all around us and although this has always been true, it has never been truer than during the last decade here in America and across the rest of the world. There have been changes in economics, changes in politics, changes in global security, changes in the workplace and changes in technological advances.
If you have time, take a look at this video about the unbelievable changes in technology on the planet. It’s entitled “Did You Know?” and Pastor Kyung shared this video during this service.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY
As we all struggle with the changes … some good, but many very challenging, we can sometimes question where God is in the middle of so many changes for the worse.
Why does change for the worse happen?
Because the world is broken.
Since the fall in the Garden of Eve, we have lived in a broken world. We know we live in a world with SIN and yet we are surprised when things go wrong.
Dear friends, don’t be surprised by the difficult trials you’re going through as if some strange thing were happening to you. I Peter 4:12
Because we live in a world of broken people.
The human race lives with a paradox of our sinful pride which leads to selfish behaviors that can hurt others and our loving grace that leads us to do selfless acts of mercy. But, the fact is that evil does exist and hurt people hurt others. But do not be confused in any way – only good comes from God and the rest is due to our sinful nature and our enemy as discussed below.
And remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows. In his goodness he chose to make us his own children by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his choice possession. James 1:13-18
Because we have a real enemy that wants us to turn from God.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8
There are many lessons from the Bible about temptation and the faithful men and women who stayed true to believing that all that is good is from God even while suffering great pain or injustice. So remember that He is our savior and Christ Jesus is our friend through the turbulent trials of life.
The story of King Saul and David in 1 Samuel is one example where King Saul let his pride and insecurities get the best of him. And when God declared David would be next in line for the throne, Saul sought him out to kill him. But when David had a perfect opportunity to slay King Saul, he resisted the temptation and followed what he knew God would want him to do instead, and that is to honor the King that currently has the throne. David stands firm in telling King Saul …
The Lord sees me and pleads my case. He is my advocate and he will rescue me from your hand. I Samuel 24:1-15
Apply It
1. When change for the worse happens, our greatest temptation is to quickly take things into our own hands. and we can respond too quickly. This can be true for a big change or a minor change. The next time something occurs that you did not expect or plan for, be still and pray and listen to God’s response. You will be amazed when it comes, and you’ll be more confident of the action to take.
2. The next time you watch the news or hear on the radio about a terrible event and you are tempted to ask God why He allows this kind of incident, stop and remember that God is as hurt as you are. Instead, pray for God to turn the tragedy into a victory for someone or a group of people related to the incident. That is what God does.
3. Each and every day when you get up in the morning, focus on your commitment to do what is right – even when it’s difficult. And make a conscious effort to praise God for the good He does through others. As a result, you will gain a priceless confidence of God’s presence and power in your life.
Filed under: Change
