When a lot of good stuff happens to New Agers they give credit to a propitious alignment of the stars or the moon and stars or some such nonsense. (I'm thinking of this because recently Venus was closely aligned with the crescent moon.)
The past month I have been instructed and encouraged by sermons from our Pastor that directly align with what God has been teaching me through other means. It has all the earmarks of Providence and being a Calvinist, of course, I am confident that God DOES work all things together for good.
Pastor has been teaching from the book of Romans and has expertly woven the threads of suffering and joy into one luscious tapestry. I have heard preaching that is ponderous and joyless regarding suffering or angry and depressing and have failed to be either inspired or instructed. But lately through the conjoining of suffering with joy, I have been renewed in spirit. And filled with joy; not at all times (still the flesh to deal with) but a lot of the time.
Proper teaching and acceptance of this (joy in suffering) allows us to realize it is for our good and for God's glory. We are not to refuse the suffering because (it is temporary) our joy is based on Christ's presence not in a life free of pain, loss and suffering.
If I grumble about my lot in life it means I have taken my eyes off HOPE, off the Lord Jesus Christ. I must pray for the grace to respond properly in all situations. Our suffering leads to an inheritance (we are after all heirs with our dear Lord Jesus) and glory. It is absolutely necessary. What do we think the cross-toting life is all about?
This past Sunday the sermon title was "Why Being Weak is a Good Thing" and pricked my conscience. We are to be content in weakness (2 Cor. 12:10); God's power is perfected in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9); weakness makes us totally dependent on our dear Lord Jesus who dwells in us and we in Him. God's indwelling Spirit helps my weakness and prays on my behalf according to the will of God.
How sad for those who think the alignment of planets in some way can bring them either peace or prosperity. I prefer to believe and am confident in the belief that God is truly working all suffering and sorrow for His glory. I am assured from His word that He is with me and will never ever leave me. Believers are now the temple of the Holy Spirit (not physical structures); He meets with me moment by moment and allows me to worship Him wherever I am. Sweet fellowship. Profound joy!
The dear Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd and He knows how to take care of His sheep, no matter what the alignment of the planets may be!
