As believers we’d like to think that we’re safe from anything bad happening to us. God, however, doesn’t promise a trouble-free life. But, He does promise to use all things for the good (Rom. 8:28). When God allows harm in our lives, we can count of Him to use it in some way. We may not understand how because we don’t see the big picture as God does.
God Has a Bigger Picture
Think back to when Jesus warned the disciples that He would be arrested and crucified and that they would be scattered. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33)
Yes, Jesus unjustly died a cruel death on the cross, but Satan’s evil plan didn’t work. God raised Jesus from the dead, proving that God is greater than all other forces. Hang on to the truth that He has overcome the world, no matter what it looks like now.
A Big Picture Perspective When Bad Things Happen
Because Jesus died on the cross, the penalty for our sin was paid. Having put our trust in Jesus alone for our salvation, we will one day live eternally safe from all harm because of His death and resurrection. Right now, our souls are safe and that’s what truly matters. Remember Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:28, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Trust that God has a purpose for any suffering we experience now. We don’t have to understand but rather trust the heart and ways of God. Remind yourself of Jesus’ death and the power of His resurrection. He is now “at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Rom. 8:34-35)
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Safety Issues:
- Safety Because Love Always Protects
- Safety Coordinated by a Church Security Team
- Safety Takes Everybody Doing Their Part
- Safety Because of the Great Commission
- Church Safety: WWJD?
- Integrity Breaks in Church Safety
- Focus of Church Safety
- Perspective in Church Safety
- Dangerous Gospel?
- Scripture Useful for Church Safety?
- Biblical Principles for Dealing with Safety Issues
- Power of Grace in Church Safety
- Power of Grace for Preventing Problems
- Power of Grace for Coping
- Power of Grace Enables Godly Responses
- Safety in the Name of the Lord?
- Don’t Underestimate the Power of Prayer in Safety
- The Spirit in the Midst of Church Safety?
- Church Safety as a Ministry Using Spiritual Gifts?
- The Real Enemy of Church Safety
- God Has a Bigger Picture When Bad Things Happen
- Leaders’ Roles Dictate How They Handle Church Safety
- Qualities Leaders Need in Church Safety Efforts