"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my
ways," declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8 NIV)

When adverse circumstances come upon us, we most certainly wonder
"why" God would allow such a thing. Did He turn His head away? We're
pretty sure he didn't. In Isaiah, God declares that His thinking is
different than ours, and we don't always understand what's happening
or what He's doing. But it is encouraging to know that God is in
control. In Job's case, it was God who pointed out Job's righteous
life to the accuser Satan. The extent of Stan's attack was clearly
limited and defined by God. It was God who set the rules and boundaries.

It becomes very easy for us to blame the devil for our circumstances,
but it is God who has the devil on puppet strings, allowing things to
happen for a higher good. In his own difficulties, Job replied to his
bitter wife, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble (Job
2:10)?" We can be encouraged to know there is an ultimate purpose God
is working in us in difficult circumstances.

Why do things happen we don't always understand or approve of?

1. We learn just how fragile and limited our lives are, and then just
how much we need Him.
2. We learn to cry out and lean upon Him.
3. God wants to conform us to the image and likeness of His Son.
4. All things, indeed, work for the good of those who love Him.
5. Our adversity is an opportunity for God to receive glory.

Everything happens for a reason - to form in us the heart of Jesus and
to become more like Him in every way. I want that. How about you?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Denny Dowd lives in Pennsylvania with her two cats, Liam and Shamrock.
Denny is a social worker and she enjoys writing, reading, and
volunteering. Denny is the world's biggest Notre Dame Football fan.
Denny lives with Chronic Inflammatory Demylineating Polyneuropathy and
cancer and has strong faith that God will see her through even the
most difficult of days.