This morning on my daily commute to the middle school, I was listening to the Dave Ramsey show (as I typically do) and I heard something that just completely through me off. Dave was counseling with one of his callers who was doing his debt free scream, but in the process, Dave had practically scolded this man who had lost money on a job venture yet said he believed it was the will of God. Dave then said that we can all know that it wasn't the will of God, because there was "sorrow in it" (referring to Proverbs 10:22). While I love Dave for his financial wisdom, I certainly do not follow all his religions opinions, and this was one of them.
God's plan, and even God's direct blessings, sometimes make us sorrowful. In fact, some of my life's greatest trials have, in retrospect, been great blessings. And is there not sorrow in the pains of childbirth? Or when we leave friends to move somewhere new? When we break of with boyfriends? Quit terrible jobs? Aren't there newlyweds who cry as they look at their empty cupboards? Or families who solemnly look at their bank accounts after paying tithing or giving to others?
Sadness is, in fact, a staple of mortality. How sad it would be to constantly reject the blessings of the Lord for the fact that we sense parts of it might make us sad, or even hurt us emotionally or financially. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Wouldn't it just be terrible if God's plan for our lives was limited by the fear and sadness we find in change and discomfort? We know that "the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been since the fall of Adam." We cannot possibly achieve all the blessings of eternal life without "putting off the natural man", which includes getting out of the comfort zone of mortality.
How many apostles and prophets have been martyred on behalf of Jesus's name or his teachings? Isn't it just foolish to believe that there was "no sorrow" in that calling from God?
The real kicker is that Christ's atonement makes right any wrongs we had in this life. That our most sacred and important blessing has truly "made us rich" and removed all sorrow from exaltation. As Jesus himself said, "in this world, he shall have great tribulation, but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world." And as you look to God, even in these times of trial, and "endure it well" God will "exalt thee on high."
Quite simply, if God's plan only brought happiness on earth, it would require no faith. But this life is a test. Some burdens will be hard to bear, some plans will end in tears, and sometimes we may ask God why he allows us to feel such sorrow. Yet, we chose this existence in earth because we were promised that God would strengthen us, teach us, and help us grow. We were not sent to our lives here on earth to hide ourselves in the corner for fear of stubbing our toe! It is our duty as His children to enjoy and explore our home on earth, and rely on Christ's atonement for all the inequalities we experience. As we live righteously, God will "direct our paths", and lead us through all sorts of experiences. And further, as we choose wisely and grow toward God, one day we will be reunited with him in a kingdom of everlasting happiness and joy.
#sorrynotsorry Dave Ramsey!
