Four Stabilizing Truths
If the USA converted to the metric system of measurements, everyone would have to learn a different way of
looking at every dimension, weight, and volume. A person paying for gasoline, for example, would have to
figure out how many liters are in a gallon before he could determine whether the price at the pumps was high,
reasonable, or a bargain. When he caught himself thinking in terms of price/gallon (the old, habitual way of
thinking), he would make certain mental calculations or adjustments in order to function responsibly in the new
metric climate.
In much the same way, God wants us to take what habitually looks to us like trials, problems, and trouble, and
following the Biblical truths we have memorized and learned, make the necessary adjustments in our thinking so
that we see these events from God’s perspective. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials
of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness
have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The trouble with many Christians is that they are trying to use their “own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5) (the
“old” way of looking at life) to solve problems, not putting to use the spiritual “conversion tables” (the
spiritually-minded way of looking at life) provided in the Word of God. Going back to our original illustration, if
the USA converted to the metric system, Americans who took the time and effort to learn the metric conversion
tables would get along fine. Those too lazy or too stubborn to do so would be constantly irritated and
ineffective. The same is true for believers who do not take the time to learn God’s way of thinking about trouble
so that they can make on-the-spot adjustments in their thinking.
Below are four truths1 which act as “conversion tables” to help the believer take his present troublesome
circumstances and “convert” them into opportunities for spiritual growth and increased fellowship with God. A
key passage for each truth has been written out for you for easier memorization and review.
1. God’s LOVE for me is unchanging.
Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
2. God’s PURPOSE for me is Christlikeness.
Romans 8:28-29 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who
are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to
the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
3. God’s WORD to me is the final, right answer.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every
good work.
4. God’s GRACE for me is sufficient.
2 Cor. 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and
calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1
These four truths were stated this way by and used with permission of Ken Collier, The WILDS Christian Association.