1/9/13: I must be doing something wrong. When adversity presents itself in our lives, especially in the lives of Christians, we think we must be doing something wrong. When adversity presents itself in the life of others we may think, “I wonder what they have done wrong?”. It is possible there is a wrong doing, but that is not the only cause of adversity to be considered in a differential diagnosis.
We need to exercise discernment in looking into our own trials. We need not be judgmental when seeing others facing adversity, least we be judged in like manner. (Matthew 7:1)
It is Biblical truth that “adversity pursues sinners” (Proverbs 13:21) However, that is not the only possibility of causation. In the case of disease or sickness it could be the inherent vulnerable “corruptible flesh” common to human nature. (1 Corinthians 15:50-53) It could be genetic in nature. These would be independent of wrong doing.
Equally as important a consideration is you might be doing something right. By this I mean you are in the center of God’s will for your life, but facing resistance. For instance Paul said “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.” (1 Thessalonians 2:18)
We need to discern whether we are suffering for unrighteousness or for righteousness sake. The former should be obvious and we need to repent.
The later may not be so obvious. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (Matthew 5:11) If that is the case we are advised in verse 12 to rejoice and be exceedingly glad. This is not a normal response, but one of our choosing contrary on how we might feel.
The differential diagnosis includes these possibilities:
1. Doing something wrong, like sinning.
2. Weakness of our flesh.
3. Doing something right in God’s plan that the devil wants to stop.
4. Some combination of the above.
Therefore we need to receive and exercise the gift of discernment to figure this out. (1 Corinthians 12:10)