Reasonable Responses

Life can be unfair. Often we are confronted with difficult situations which in themselves seem unreasonable – we do not understand the reason for them, or the necessity. They leave us stumped! Have you experienced this – you’re presented with difficulties so discouraging they threaten to defeat you – you have no idea how to deal with the issues or how to resolve them. I’m sure you find it frustrating and trying. I know I do. Especially when the confounding events follow a season of obedience to the Lord – we’ve honored Him with our work, in our responses to unreasonable people – to their twisting of events, and their gossip. When we think circumstances can’t get any worse – they do.

When this occurs what are we to do? What should our actions be? What steps are we to take?

1. Trust

2. Look to the Lord – Scripture – for encouragement

3. Pray, and pray

4. Change the way you think about the events and circumstance you find yourself in

5. Be thankful for the trial you are in

6. Practice what is true – Biblically true

7. Cultivate a joyous heart – joy in the person of Christ. His accomplishments and enablement for you

Applying this will require hard work, but what is the alternative – a troubled and sad heart? We know our behaviors and actions stem from our hearts – from the way we think about situations. Philippians 4:5-9 calls us to kind, gracious responses. However, we are to consider Romans 12:18-19 when we have exhausted the Biblical commands to peacemaking. It is kind and gracious to entrust these difficulties to the Lord, trusting Him in them, and for them.

• Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:5-9).

• If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord (Roman 12:18-19).

• My beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain (Philippians 2:12-16).

#unfair #worry #trust