My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, rejecting the very truth that can save them (Hosea 4:6a). Bad things happen to us because we are ignorant of the wiles, the diabolical plots, of the devil. Instead of learning how to defeat the devil, we blame God, saying that He allowed some kind of sickness or calamity to befall. We have created great religious excuses for the devil
How well you have laid out how we bring about our own problems and then place the outcome at the Lord’s feet as if we have suffered for Him. Many believe that this is a test for a “promotion” in our faith. I personally have found myself in this mindset. Thank you for helping me understand how I can better live.
I do believe that in many cases we bring trouble upon ourselves, but I am reminded of a few verses which I believe show exceptions to that rule.
John 9:2-3 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
Also: I would have you to consider Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Therefore, we face trials, afflictions, and persecutions, it should not be said that we will have an easy walk if we do everything right, but rather,
that there is no trouble we cannot overcome in Christ.
Patrick