Let’s get this clear from the start. Tragedy, troubles and terror are direct attacks of Satan, whose total focus is to steal, kill, and destroy any way he can (John 10:10). Getting us to question these things and question the love of God is just part of Satan’s plan to discourage, defeat and torment. When troubles and tragedies happen, it is not a judgment of God permitted in order to correct or teach us something.
Isaiah 54:14-15 states, “In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they [oppression, fear and terror] shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.”
Yes, oppression, fear and terror will try to come upon us. God’s Word is clear about that. But it is just as clear these things are not from God; they are not part of His plan or His will. God is neither terrorist nor tormentor.
In fact, the very thought that God allows trouble to correct or punish us is contrary to the basic principle of redemption. God put our sin, sickness, disease, sorrow, grief and poverty on Jesus in order to redeem us. Jesus was sent to carry our sorrow and grief—not to give it to us. The things the devil brings were put on Jesus so we wouldn’t have to suffer them. God does not need the devil to correct His children!
Isaiah 54:14-15 states, “In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they [oppression, fear and terror] shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.”
Yes, oppression, fear and terror will try to come upon us. God’s Word is clear about that. But it is just as clear these things are not from God; they are not part of His plan or His will. God is neither terrorist nor tormentor.
In fact, the very thought that God allows trouble to correct or punish us is contrary to the basic principle of redemption. God put our sin, sickness, disease, sorrow, grief and poverty on Jesus in order to redeem us. Jesus was sent to carry our sorrow and grief—not to give it to us. The things the devil brings were put on Jesus so we wouldn’t have to suffer them. God does not need the devil to correct His children!
So how does God teach and correct us? He uses His Word and the Holy Spirit to deal with us. You only need to read 2 Timothy 3:16, John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 to see this. God has appointed the Holy Spirit to be the teacher of His children (John 14:26).
God’s attitude is characterized in Acts 10:38. Jesus “went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” And He made clear it was the Father in Him who did those good works (John 14:9-10). No one can imagine Jesus hurting people. How then can we imagine this of our heavenly Father who sent Jesus to represent Him to us?
Certainly there are Bible references to the wrath of God. But read those references in context. God is not using His wrath to teach His people. He’s directing it against those who’ve let themselves become His enemies. (See Nahum 1:2 and Romans 1:18). But toward His children, Jesus compared Him to a human father who only gives good gifts—not evil ones—to those who ask for them (Matthew 7:9-11).
God’s attitude is characterized in Acts 10:38. Jesus “went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” And He made clear it was the Father in Him who did those good works (John 14:9-10). No one can imagine Jesus hurting people. How then can we imagine this of our heavenly Father who sent Jesus to represent Him to us?
Certainly there are Bible references to the wrath of God. But read those references in context. God is not using His wrath to teach His people. He’s directing it against those who’ve let themselves become His enemies. (See Nahum 1:2 and Romans 1:18). But toward His children, Jesus compared Him to a human father who only gives good gifts—not evil ones—to those who ask for them (Matthew 7:9-11).
We encourage you to meditate on and let the following scriptures comfort and establish you in God’s heart toward you: Deuteronomy 28:7; Psalms 34:17, 61:1-4; Proverbs 3:3-6; Matthew 6:9-13; John 14:27; and 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
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