Misused

Most commonly, this is seeing in the physical aspect. People who lose loved ones, or children often do not want to hear that God will use the situation for His glory in the midst of their trial. The mother of a child who was killed in a drive by shooting, or the victim of a drunk driving accident does not immediately think, “God will use this for His glory.” The only thing they are going to be thinking about is how to get through the situation, and why something like this even happened.

God’s glory comes out later at a time when the person has come to terms with the situation. It happens when they reach a point in their lives where they can fathom what has happened, and determine on their own that they would never want someone else to go through the same event. This idea produces wonderful public service programs, dynamic speakers, and inspiring stories that draw people closer to God.

These speakers and programs appeal to the emotion in a way that will help others become inspired and motivated to live a better life. Although, for those who are in emotional storms, it is hard to see how God can use something for His glory. As a military chaplain, I can see this regularly with those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These people have images, events, and memories imprinted in their lives. Those suffering from emotional trauma have things that no one will ever be able to take away, yet they are expected to function in a social setting that does not normally pose those same threats.

This also does not dispel the emotional issues caused by stress, depression, and other emotionally difficult situations. People who are affected by emotional events, or situations in their lives face insurmountable odds because they are often discouraged by the struggles they face everyday. For people to say God can use their emotional pain for His glory is difficult to believe because most people who experience life debilitating emotional strife cannot see beyond the midst of their struggles.

It is this emotional blindness that prevents people from seeing God in their everyday life. Imagine experiencing life without the thought, sight, and dependence on God because you are physically and emotionally not able to see Him. This could be especially difficult if you have experienced God in the past. It would be like a person who loses their sight after being able to enjoy the wonders and beauty of the world. They know what it is like to see and in many cases desire to see again, but cannot because of their circumstance.

For people who are in the midst of emotional and spiritual trauma, it is difficult for them to see or savor God in their life, regardless of God’s presence. It is not because they do not want more of God, or to get their way out of the difficult situation, but because they can’t see their way out.

When people are in the midst of spiritual strife it is arrogant for others to believe they can get them to snap out of it by telling them God will make their situation better or use their trauma for His glory. I know it is the desire of all believers to give hope in the midst of hopelessness. It is not a statement that will give them hope, but the ability for them to experience God in the midst of their trauma that will provide hope. We have to remember their lives are turned upside down, and chaos surrounds them. In most cases, people who face insurmountable trials and tribulations in life desire peace. The challenge as a believer is guiding them to a place where they can experience that peace.

Looking at the Context

This statement does not come in some random attempt to encourage people. The theology comes form Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. Both verses reflect the belief that everything works together for good. In the Genesis passage, Joseph finds restoration in relationship with his brothers and makes the statement that their actions, though indented for evil, have been made good because his place in the world has saved many people (Genesis 50:20). As well, in Romans, Paul instructs the Roman people, “all things work together for the good of those who love God” (Romans 8:28).

There is truth in this statement because God does make everything work for the good of all people. The statement is misused in our timing and delivery. When people are in the middle of trying to figure everything out, forcing them to think about how God is going to use the situation does not help. The best time to do that is when they have come to terms with the situation.

This does not mean we don’t point them towards God, it means we point them towards God in a way that brings peace and comfort. There is a level of fear involved in the midst of our trials that we often can’t see past. Looking at the interaction between Joseph’s brothers and him, you can see their fear in the situation (Genesis 50:15-18).

Three Characteristics of Fear in Trials

Three characteristics present themselves when we allow fear to consume us after we have wronged someone. The brothers display all three of these characteristics in rapid succession. First, it is easy to worry about grudges that take away from forgiveness and focuses on revenge as the reaction to wrongdoings (Genesis 50:15). The social norm we see today focuses on how people have wronged us, and when we know we have wronged another person, the first thought is how they might get even. This is why we hear the statement, “what comes around goes around,” more than we hear, “I’m sorry.”