Tim Vail
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The Bible is the story of God destroying the works of Satan, and restoring creation to a relationship with Him. He is faithful to His promises. Regardless of what we might want, He works through people, and pivotal events to fulfill His word. Israel was created by God; it was birthed from a barren woman.
Similarly, we are a special creation that could not exist with God’s intervention. He uses relationships to develop us according to His will. He guides our interactions intimately, while permitting us choices between those who build versus those who tear down. If faith is waning, consider the people surrounding you. Don’t attempt to stand amidst wrong influence; flee from it.
Similarly, God engineers events to develop our faith, frequently in the form of trials. Sin will be destroyed; that is God’s promise. The process of its destruction is not easy. Sickness can be used for God’s glory. Christ allowed Lazarus to die, for the benefit of all around them.
God is not doing something TO us. He is doing something IN us, so that He can accomplish something THROUGH us. Don’t ask for relief from difficult circumstances, but that you might grow through them to His glory. Surround yourself with people that can help you frame trials properly.
Keywords:
Faith – relationships – friendship – influence – environment – choice – Genesis 3:15 – pivotal events – trust – conflict – Proverbs 13:20 – 1 Corinthians 15:33 – James 1:2-4 – John 11 – Lazarus – trials – tribulation – healing
