Excerpts from "Women Helping Women" By Elyse Fitzpatrick/Carol Cornish

"Christians believe there is a God and He is in control.  Some Christians believe God allows certain events, while others believe God ordains everything.  Whichever you believe, the reality for every Christian is that there is a God who is able to control every circumstance and could have prevented or stopped abuse if He had chosen to do so.  Of course, He has not obligated Himself to do so and therefore anger at God is not justified.  The sovereignty of God should stop a person from believing that he or she is inherently a 'victim.' "


"Whether you believe God ordains or merely allows trials, you must believe God will work out His glorious plan in your life if you love Him and have been called by Him.  His plan does not necessarily include earthly comfort or protection from suffering.  We have hope because we know it includes something better.  Nothing in life is chaotic or meaningless.  Under the care of the Master's loving hand every tear, every sorrow, every bruising is meant for our ultimate good.  What is the good that He has in mind?  That our lives might be conformed to the image of His perfect Son.  God wants us to be like Christ.  That's His goal.  Hope grows in the light of this glorious thought!  God ordains events so that we are continually turned toward Him and away from idols, self-protection, self-indulgence, man-pleasing, and manipulation.  He is continually working to free us, not for ourselves (although we do benefit), but for His ultimate glory.  Amazing grace!"


"The wickedness of man is brought into the service of God and establishes His glory and righteousness."  (Love this one!)

"God has a plan to use every adverse circumstance in the lives of His children for His ultimate purpose and glory.  The Christian can learn to rejoice in the knowledge that there is not one tear shed nor one instance of suffering that is outside of God's purpose or authority.  Although adversity may originate from others, by the time suffering gets to us, it is God's will."


I agree with each of the above statements.  I am in the camp that believes God ordains suffering.  He ordained the suffering of our Savior before He even created the world.  He used the wickedness of man and brought it into His service, for our benefit and His glory.  I believe one of the reasons He ordains the suffering of His saints is to put on display His gift of faith - that it is so much stronger than any evil that man can do against His beloved children.  Our faith may falter and waver in the middle of suffering, but it will never fail, because of its source.  The final outcome will be its refinement into the glorious praise and exaltation of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  It really is all about Him.  

Job 13:15 - "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him."