God acts first to strengthen sufferers internally. If you “suffer in a Godward direction,” He gives you hope. It is in the context of suffering that God strengthens hearts in many ways: 1. The love of God pours out directly into the hearts of afflicted persons who rely on Him in hope (Rom. 5:3-5). 2. God becomes directly known – “seen” – in ways previously unimaginable (Job 42:5). 3. Our foolishness is revealed, so that we might receive growing wisdom directly from God (James 1:2-5). 4. We are remade into the image of Jesus, and established in the love of God (Rom. 8:29, in the context of 8:18-39). 5. We learn to trust and obey Jesus, who walked the path of unjust suffering ahead of us and now walks it with us (Heb. 4:14-5:9; 12:1-11). 6. Our self-centered cravings are revealed and our faith is purified and simplified (1 Peter 1:3-15).

— David Powlison (1949–2019), Seelsorger, Theologe, Dozent und Autor der biblischen Seelsorgebewegung (CCEF)

Related Bible passage: ROM.5.3

Topics: Suffering & the Question of God, Growth & Character

David Powlison

David Powlison (1949–2019) war ein US-amerikanischer evangelikal-reformierter Seelsorger, Theologe und langjähriger Leiter der Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). Er prägte die Weiterentwicklung der biblischen Seelsorgebewegung hin zu einem gnadenorientierten Ansatz, stieß mit seiner Abgrenzung von säkularer Psychotherapie und Psychiatrie jedoch auch auf fachliche Kritik. Für Bibelleser veranschaulicht sein Werk, wie theologische Aussagen der Schrift auf persönliche Lebenskrisen, seelische Nöte und zwischenmenschliche Konflikte bezogen werden können.

All quotes by David Powlison (36)

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