Questions People Ask During Turbulent Times #2

4/04/2012 07:21:00 PM / Posted by Mike Landry /


            When you’re faced with turbulent and painful times it’s so natural to ask the following question:

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?

            Good question!  There is a reason you’re going through difficult times.  It’s important to know as much as you can in order to deal with the turbulence.  I think the title of Paul Billheimer’s book says it quite succinctly, Don’t Waste Your Sorrows.

            So, why might this be happening to you?  There are at least 3 answers to that question. I’ll deal with only one in this blog.


1.    It could be turbulence that you have brought on yourself.        


Bad decisions most often lead to unwanted consequences.  For example, the student who refuses to read his assignments and study for a test can expect a poor grade.  Cheating on your taxes invites an audit from the IRS.  A man who is unfaithful in his marriage can expect severe relationship problems at home.  Unhealthy lifestyles lead to poor health.  God says it this way,



“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.”    Gal 6:7 NASB 

            If your turbulence has been self-induced, then your response must be repentance.  In other words, there must be change.  A change of heart as well as a change in behavior.  God is more than willing to empower you for this kind of change if you humbly approach Him with a spirit of brokenness.  The Bible has some very powerful things to say about this.

“Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”          Hebrews 4:16  NASB

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:9 NASB

            The purpose of turbulence in this case is to get your attention.  When you are moving in the wrong direction, you can expect God to push back.  It’s often very painful but intended to be redemptive.  God created you for Himself and has an amazing plan for your life.  It cannot be experienced as long as you continue to resist Him and refuse to exchange poor lifestyle decisions with good ones.

            So, rather than make any more excuses for your turbulence, why not take some time right now and get alone with God.  Humbly approach Him with a spirit of brokenness.  Allow Him to create within you new attitudes that will result in new behaviors that honor Him.  Give Him space to take the broken pieces of your life and put them back together in a way that will honor Him.

            The restoration process may prove to be painful and turbulent but it will be worth it.  God can always be trusted to do the right thing, in the right way, and at the right time.  Cooperate with Him.

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