tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401232450301616841.post1456203914304174195..comments2023-11-03T03:15:47.861-07:00Comments on Preparation 4 Eternity: P4E.012 JoyKimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12849379816330330674noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401232450301616841.post-89912906070793403002007-02-28T12:28:00.000-08:002007-02-28T12:28:00.000-08:00Exactly, LL. I don't think that these two possibil...Exactly, LL. I don't think that these two possibilities are mutually exclusive. Whether we look at "problems" as consequences of our own sin and neglect or God trying to teach us a spiritual lesson they point to one thing: He cares about us enough to either allow them to happen or to actively intervene. <BR/><BR/>I'm even questioning our use of the words "problem" and "blame" because they cast a negative light on what Scripture calls "trials" (meaning "tests"). If I can see God's purpose in actively or passively intervening in my life as His way of drawing me closer to Him, if these occurences test and strengthen my spirit, there truly is cause for joy when I encounter them.Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12849379816330330674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8401232450301616841.post-78711796492528754842007-02-28T07:37:00.000-08:002007-02-28T07:37:00.000-08:00Some problems are surely God's way of backing us i...Some problems are surely God's way of backing us into the corner where we can sit and finally reflect. <BR/><BR/>But others, I believe, are the consequences of our sin and neglect. Surely, physical problems often fit in this category. The sad part is that we sometimes blame God for the suffering we have brought on ourselves.L.L. Barkathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13333960142447144678noreply@blogger.com