Dear Partner,
There is a question that has bothered, and even plagued, the hearts and minds of Christian people for ages: Why do bad things happen to good people? Peter said in chapter 5, verse 8, of his first letter, that “the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” That’s true, but it’s not the answer to our question.
Why do bad things happen to wonderful, Spirit-filled people who love God with all their hearts? Terrible things happen for seemingly no reason. The answer is found in Deuteronomy 30:19. Let’s look at it first in the King James Version and then in the New Living Translation.
- I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live.
There you have it. Good people make bad choices! The NLT really makes it clear:
- Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!
Now think about this: Israel’s poor choices prolonged their journey through the wilderness from 11 days to 40 years!
Look at the sad commentary in Proverbs 1:28-29 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition):
- Then will they call upon me [Wisdom] but I will not answer; they will seek me early and diligently but they will not find me.
- Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the reverent and worshipful fear of The LORD.
Jesus made this abundantly clear in Matthew 22:1-14. Verses 2-3 sum it up perfectly:
- The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
- And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
THEY CHOSE TO NOT COME! The King could not BLESS THEM because they ignored His invitation so they could do what they wanted to do, instead of what He, the King, had called them to do. The King, here, is God.
For way too long, I chose to run from the call of God for me to go to Oral Roberts University. It was a decision that almost got my whole family killed. It was just the grace of God and the never-ceasing intercessory prayers of my mother that kept that from happening. I finally showed up 3 ½ years late.
Now let’s look at the practical side of this: Never underestimate a delay. Remember, we’re talking about bad things happening to good people. Let’s look at Psalm 37:23:
- The steps of a good man are ordered by The LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
This “good” person’s steps are ordered of The LORD. Gloria and I learned many years ago to stand on that verse, and rest when it seemed as though our well-laid plans were delayed. I’m talking about things like travel plans and ministry goals, etc. I learned many years ago, as a pilot, to NEVER, EVER push flying into bad weather, even if it meant changing everything! Even if it meant losing my job!
Two very close friends of mine were needlessly killed by making foolish decisions. The first one was killed by totally ignoring the pleading of a powerful man of God whom my friend and his pilot trusted. He actually begged them to stay overnight and go home in the morning. “No,” they said, “we have very important meetings in the morning.”
I’ve landed at the airport where they tried to land. It’s infamous for nighttime fog. It’s a small airport that was closer to their home. I knew the pilot. He was a good pilot, but he made a bad choice also. Good weather was only 25 miles away. Instead of just changing plans, he chose to “take a look” there first, and they crashed. All three went to heaven that night.
Another very good friend of mine was getting ready to board an airliner, when he had an inward witness to wait and take another flight. His friend, also a Spirit-filled minister of the gospel, wouldn’t listen. I’m not talking about being afraid to fly. My friend always stands on Psalm 37:23—always! He was considerably late to his appointment but that airplane crashed, and his friend went to heaven that day.
Now on a lighter note. I’ve had The LORD speak to my spirit and say, Don’t go to the office this morning like you usually do. I never violate that. There are people alive today who missed being killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11 because they chose to listen.
The key to victory in all this is to not be in such a hurry that you DON’T HAVE TIME to pray and listen. Don’t just jump in your car in the morning and go. Plead THE BLOOD of Jesus over your car, and then wait a few moments while you listen to your spirit. Remember, you are choosing life. Jesus said, “I have come that you might have life” (John 10:10).
Every time, whether I’m flying or not, we stop long enough to pray, “Father, we plead THE BLOOD of Jesus over this airplane for protection against every evil spirit, every evil person, and every wicked plan of the devil is stopped and thwarted. Ministering angels, lift us up in your hands lest we dash our foot against a stone. Keep us in all our way, according to the 91st Psalm, and BLESS our Partners beyond measure.” We do this on every flight, not just the first flight of the day. We have trained ourselves to always put the plans of God first. The key word here is trained.
Well, there’s so much that could be said, but it’s more than I can put into this letter.
As you sow your BLESSING seed this month, act on what you’ve read. Be still. Listen. Pray quietly in the spirit. Then listen some more. Take the time to be still and KNOW that HE IS GOD!
Hey, Partner, we’re updating all our Partner pictures. We’re creating a “Partner Wall.” I’m so excited about this, I can hardly stand it—a wall of pictures that I can look at and actually touch your face! Click here to submit one now.
My, my, I love you so much, and I pray for you every day!
Love,
P.S. I have included a free offer for a new minibook by Gloria that I really want to get into your hands. It will help you get through this pandemic in total victory!
As I sow my BLESSING seed this month, I decide to choose life. I take the time to be still, listen and know that He is God! (Deuteronomy 30:19)
Live in God’s Supernatural System of Blessing
Gloria Copeland has lived in God’s supernatural system of BLESSING for decades, and she knows it works. In this minibook, she shares how you can walk in His higher ways, so you can live a life of total prosperity—one that only He can provide!
HIS HIGHER WAYS (Minibook)
BY GLORIA COPELAND
