I know what you’re thinking. Great, more Christian platitudes couched in a little pseudo-Biblical truth. Trials bite, you know, where have you been? How can this be a blessing in disguise?
The truth is, the reason why people run the other way when Christians give us their “blessings in disguise” speech is that we don’t practice what we preach. Of course, that is the point isn’t it? That’s why people aren’t running into the arms of Christ in America. It’s because of us. Not Him.
For it says in 2 Timothy 3. But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, rural, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”
Don’t be mistaken, Paul wasn’t talking about unbelievers here. He is talking about the church going folk. Why would he say they have a form of godliness but denying its power? Unbelievers don’t pretend to have a form of godliness. They don’t care about godliness, in one form or another. So basically Paul is saying that there will be a lot of fake Christians about, among other things.
So what does this have to do with blessings in disguise? I, as much as anyone, have had my share of trials. Many of them in this year alone. But what I found, is that when things are the bleakest, I find myself the most drawn to the comfort of the Lord. I’m not the most graceful in trials, mind you. I’m the first to become frightened, express my dismay on Facebook, etc. Lamentations really is a book made for me. Well you get the point. But even though I get dragged kicking and screaming, the Lord has way of quieting me in ways I never thought possible. He also shows us that most of the time, these things are a season, not something to last forever.
I was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer this year, I lost a dear pet to old age, my Father nearly died, my aunt was put in a nursing home for a short time. It’s been a tough year. I was wondering if this was a permanent situation. But the clouds have broken. My cancer was removed with no treatment needed, my Dad didn’t die, my Aunt got to come home, and my heart is healing over my pet. Though I sought help in many places the only help that calmed my soul was that I sought at the feet of the Lord. If you don’t know what thats like, please reach out to someone you know that can help you become a Christian. That’s step one. Step two is to find a Bible believing church to attend where you can find discipleship. Don’t expect the whole church to be full of perfect people. Some will be like you, some will be like those listed above and some, hopefully will be the loving saints you need to help you find your way.
The Christian life isn’t an easy path. Expect resistance. Expect attacks. But remember, those too are blessings in disguise.