Father Knows Best
by Bob Gaudi
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” –1 Thessalonians 5:9
As I grow older, I am constantly reminded that I am human and frail. My body parts seem to malfunction more frequently and take longer to heal. I seem to have pains in places I did not know I had. I'm apparently falling apart and find myself realizing the process is not going to stop until it does.
It seems that adversity—no matter the form it takes—is always near, and certainly the ailing human type is more common as we age. This isn't easy to accept, but it is nonetheless real. God uses adversity in our lives not as a way of demonstrating His wrath, but as a way of strengthening and teaching us. Remember, His ways are different from ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). God molds us; He is the potter and we are the clay being transformed into His likeness through the work of the Spirit (2 Cor 3:18). Accept Him as a loving, compassionate Father dedicated to making us like Him.
God’s compassion comes from His character and is not dependent on our morality, choices, or thoughts. After all, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Rom 5:8). It follows that our trials and tribulations are not punishment for our actions. Rather, they are training for us, resulting in character growth and sanctification. They result in needed course corrections to get us to the destination He has in mind.
We were not made to immerse ourselves in earthly ways or things (think idols of any sort) or to chase after personal goals and/or pleasure. Our purpose on earth is to serve God and bring Him glory. We do that by living a life consistent with the person and teaching of Jesus Christ; by living lives worthy of God (1 Thess 2:12) and of the calling we have received (Eph 4:1).
When we accept Christ, receiving Him as our Savior and Redeemer, we receive the Holy Spirit. We are filled with Him at the time of our acceptance of Jesus, and He is the One who guides us along the path chosen for us. We stray, and He corrects the course. Follow the Spirit and live a life worthy of God. Surrender to the Spirit and live the life God intended for YOU. Go and do—serve God and others! Father does know best.
Heavenly Father, we know that You always work for what’s best for us. As Your Spirit guides and empowers us, beckoning us closer to You, help us to heed His calling and move in concert with Your wishes along the path You have chosen. Show us the way You would have us go, and provide us with the courage and strength to choose the right path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.