Circumstances

Circumstances

God used Jephthah despite his unfair circumstances.

(Jgs 11:1-2) Jephthah, an illegitimate son of Gilead, was chased out of the country try his half-brothers. He suffered as a result of an other’s decision and not for any wrong he had done. Yet in spite of his brother’s rejection. God used him. If you are suffering from unfair rejection, don’t blame others and become discouraged. Remember how God used Jephthah despite his unjust circumstances, and realize that he is able to use you ever; if you feel rejected by some.

Make good use of present circumstances.

(1 Sm 16:19-21) When Saul asked David to be in his service, he obviously did not know that Christ had been secretly anointed king (16:12). Saul’s invitation presented an excellent opportunity for the young man and future king to gain firsthand information about leading a nation (David want back and forth from Saul.” (!7:15).

Sometimes our plans – even the one we think God has approved – have to be put on hold indefinitely. Like David, we can use this waiting time profitably. We can choose to learn and grow in our present circumstances, whatever they may be.

Look at your circumstances from God’s point of view.

(1 Sm 17:26) What a difference perspective can make. Most of the onlookers saw only a giant. David, however, saw a mortal man defying almighty God. He knew he would not be alone when he faced Goliath. God would fight with him. He looked at his situations from God’s point of view helps us put giant problems in perspective. Once we see clearly, we can fight more effectively.

Steps for dealing with difficult circumstances.

(2 Chr 32:1) When Hezekiah was confronted with the frightening prospected of an Assyrian invasion, he made two important decisions. He did everything he could to deal with the situations, and he trusted God for the outcome. That is exactly what we must do when faced with difficult or frightening situations. Take all the steps you possibly can to solve the problem or improve the situation. But also commit the situation to God in prayer, trusting him for the solution.

God has put you where you are for a purpose.

(Est 4:13-14) After the decree to kill the Jews was given. Mordecai and Ether could have despaired, decided to save only themselves, or just waited for God’s intervention, instead, they saw that God had placed them in their positions for a purpose, so they served the moment and acted. When it is within our reach to save others, we must do so. In a life-threatening situation, don’t withdraw, behave selfishly, wallow in despair, or wait for God to fix everything instead, ask God for his direction, and act! God may have placed you where you are “for such a time as this.”

Not always a measure of God’s goodness.

(Jb 21:1) Job refuted Zophar’s idea that evil people never experience wealth and happiness, pointing out that in the real world the wicked do indeed prosper. God does as he wills to individuals (21:22-25) and people cannot use their circumstances to measure their own goodness or God’s – they are sometimes (but not always) related. Success to Job’s friends was based on outward performance, success to God, however, is based on a person’s heart.

New believers can react to circumstances.

(Ps 16:8) By saying that he “will not be shaken.” David was talking about the unique sense of security felt by believers. God does not exempt believers from the day-to-day circumstances of life. Believers and unbelievers alike experience pain, trouble and feature at times (Matthew 5:45). Unbelievers have a sense of hopelessness about life and confusion over their true purpose on earth. Those who seek God, however, can move ahead confidently with what they know is right and important in God’s eyes. They know that God will keep them being moved off of his chosen path.

Let us take a look at the commitment required.