“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (NIV)
It is amazing to me that our God uses testing and trials to help conform us into the image of His Son. He could control our circumstances and allow us to live live’s filled with prosperity and joy. He could fill our days with sunshine, butterflies, good food, cool water and green pastures. He could allow us to be filled with uncommon peace in the midst of an angry, cruel and broken world. He could take all our worries and fears away so that we could live freely, dance recklessly, and sing loudly. Finally, He could take away the sting of death and freely give us everlasting life.
Funny thing about controlling our life’s circumstances – in Christ, we never have it. He’s always been in control. He is in control. He will always have control. It’s when we think we are in control we’ve lost our faith. Our choices either give Him control or take us further away from His blessings.