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One of the many changes in my eating habits involves onions. Growing up I
carefully picked around them when ladling the stew onto my plate. My mother
would then carefully pick out a microscopic piece of onion for me (she probably
enjoyed hearing me complain). Now, however, I appreciate their flavor.
Onions are mentioned only once in the Bible". The context is that of a
complaint. The Israelites are in the desert - after all those miracles to get them
out of Egypt - and they're complaining about the food! They miss the onions
they used to have in Egypt. How like us! Here we are, Christians, saved by
grace and given the riches of God. If that were not enough, we are given them
in the richest land in the world. If that were not enough, a land (unlike many)
where we are free to be Christians unhindered by the government. Despite that,
we complain ever so freely.
We should rejoice instead. One of the wisest Christians I've ever read put it this
way:
It is good for us to encounter troubles and adversities from time to time,
for trouble often compels a man to search his own heart. It reminds him
that he is an exile here, and that he can put his trust in nothing in this
world. It is good, too, that we sometimes suffer opposition, and that men
think ill of us and misjudge us, even when we do and mean well. Such
things are an aid to humility, and preserve us from pride and vainglory.
For we more readily turn to God as our inward witness, when men
despise us and think no good of us.
What a difference in attitude! He saw his troubles as a sure guide, pointing him
back to his Lord and Savior. We so often see them as things which are fit only
for a prayer list or a long complaint over the telephone. Have you ever thanked
God for your troubles?
Look at it this way: suppose I could sell you a magical device which would
• give you the gift of self examination
• teach you who to trust, and who not to
• keep you from the deadliest sin known to man.
I could make a fortune at this. Unfortunately, the device is known as "your
troubles," - and someone else seems to be giving them out for free.
Try it tonight. Thank him for your troubles, that they have caused you to turn
back to Him. Lean on Him, let Him be your comfort.
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