More on "In Step With God"

We left off with Chapter Four of "In Step With God."  So, we will continue now with Chapter Five.  This chapter is entitled "God Brings Good From Evil."  This is a concept that is hard for most of us to understand.  Dr. Stanley opens this chapter by telling us of a person whom sought counsel from him as they had been going through a really rough time.  Dr. Stanley advised the person to "be still before the Lord and seek his wisdom."  Again, this is hard for most of us to do.  We don't enjoy disappointment, pain, worry and heartache.  We want resolution and we want it NOW!

Dr. Stanley points out that this likely comes from the fact that we do not understand God's ways and his timetables.  Of course, he reminds us that the only way to know God's ways better is through the diligent study of his word. 

He uses illustrations of Joseph and David to show how we can be so disheartened that we feel that all we have left is out faith in God.  But he also points out that this is sufficient.

In this chapter, Dr. Stanley explains that God does not create evil or heartache in our lives - this is the work of Satan.  However, God will use this evil to shape our lives or will allow heartache and dire circumstances to bring us back into his Will when needed.    The main reason that many people do not understand why God "allows" certain things to happen is that they view the world from a human perspective.  The world's ways are not God's ways and they are getting farther and farther from His ways day by day.  Dr. Stanley talks about how, society as a whole, have cast God aside in many instances.  God has been taken out of schools; children are no longer allowed to pray; displays referencing God, such as the Ten Commandments, are no longer allowed in many public places.  Our society has become callous to sins - it accepts many ungodly lifestyles as "normal" such as homosexuality, pre-marital sex and couples co-habitating outside of marriage.  Once we begin "blurring" the lines, it gets easier and easier.

Dr. Stanley points out that some of the greatest lessons of faith come through times of difficulty.  He also points out that it is through these times that God is shaping and preparing us for something even greater and better.

Next time we will take a look at Chapter Six - "Expect the Unexpected."  This promises to be another exceptional chapter - so check back regularly so as not to miss this!!