97. Does this mean that when we live in a certain way, things will always go the way we want?
No. Even Jesus, who lived a perfect life, suffered horribly. Therefore, we cling to God's promises and continue to seek to live obediently, even in the face of trouble and difficulty rather than seeking assurance of God's love and blessing in outward, visible signs and manifestations. Believers will also experience trouble, and suffering may result from their obedience.
Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
John 16:33 [John said:] "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Read in John 21:18-24 about the need to suffer for the sake of the Gospel and in Romans 5:1-5 about God's use of suffering for His good purposes.
Eventual commentary
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