Good stuff, Randall. I needed this, today. In the past, I have struggled with the attitude of "shaking my fist at God," complaining to Him, asking Him, "Why??" But we see it over and over again in Scripture. Jeremiah, as you noted. Countless times in the Psalms. Job. God doesn't always answer, the way He did with Job, but He also doesn't "punish" us for asking and complaining. But you are spot on about the brokenness and blessing. It's not even remotely that tidy, is it?
Not always tidy, and often confusing, to be honest. But I think that if we adjust our expectations, we will be able to ride out those seasons more successfully. Paul was told at the start how much he would suffer for Christ's sake (Acts 9:16). So, when it did happen, he wasn't thrown (Acts 14:19–22). Therefore, he learned how to handle both blessing and tribulation (Philippians 4:12). My mistake was almost completely due to unrealistic expectations.
Good stuff, Randall. I needed this, today. In the past, I have struggled with the attitude of "shaking my fist at God," complaining to Him, asking Him, "Why??" But we see it over and over again in Scripture. Jeremiah, as you noted. Countless times in the Psalms. Job. God doesn't always answer, the way He did with Job, but He also doesn't "punish" us for asking and complaining. But you are spot on about the brokenness and blessing. It's not even remotely that tidy, is it?
Not always tidy, and often confusing, to be honest. But I think that if we adjust our expectations, we will be able to ride out those seasons more successfully. Paul was told at the start how much he would suffer for Christ's sake (Acts 9:16). So, when it did happen, he wasn't thrown (Acts 14:19–22). Therefore, he learned how to handle both blessing and tribulation (Philippians 4:12). My mistake was almost completely due to unrealistic expectations.