Overcoming Suffering: Submitting Our Will to God
Today we look at another reason for suffering.
Sometimes we suffer because of willful, rebellious decisions. Let’s be honest. There are moments when we don’t just make a stupid mistake, but we know God’s will and willingly choose the opposite.
It’s rebellion in action. We shake our puny fists at the Almighty. We do what we want. And it’s dangerous.
I often see this playing out inside the church world. Let me share an example. Someone may sit in the congregation for years, hear clear biblical teaching on sexual purity, and yet choose to live with a partner and engage in sexual activity outside of the confines of marriage. In this situation, that individual knows what God says, but chooses the opposite.
Willful rebellion.
When we discover a sin like this, what should we do? Confess it. Again, practice 1 John 1:9. God is faithful and just and will forgive you.
Ask God to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you just as David did in Psalm 51 after he made a willful, rebellious decision against God by committing adultery with Bathsheba.
When you do this, you will instantly sense God’s redeeming grace flooding your soul. In that moment you should know that you are forever forgiven in his eyes. As far as the east is from the west, that is as far as he has removed his transgressions from you (Psalm 103:12).
When you confess your sin, it is forgotten. And the great exchange takes place. God exchanges your sin for his grace and righteousness. What a great deal! New purpose is given to you in place of shame and condemnation!
Grace. Forgiveness.
The most wonderful gifts anyone could ever receive.