How can we apply "this thing is from Me" to personal challenges today? Setting the Scene: 1 Kings 12:24 “‘You shall not go up or fight against your brothers, the sons of Israel. Each of you must return home, for this thing is from Me.’” • The northern tribes had just broken away from Rehoboam. • God stopped Judah’s army in its tracks, declaring the split was His doing. • Scripture records this historical moment plainly—God was, and still is, sovereign over every detail. What “This Thing Is from Me” Tells Us about God • He rules over events that look chaotic to us. • He sometimes allows discomfort to redirect His people. • He guards His larger redemptive plan even when individuals feel unsettled. • Because His Word is true, we can take the statement at face value: God actively ordains or allows every circumstance for His purposes (cf. Romans 8:28). Connecting the Phrase to Our Personal Challenges When difficulties come—job loss, illness, strained relationships—we can echo, “This thing is from Me,” and respond by: • Recognizing God’s hand rather than only blaming people or chance. • Refusing to fight battles He has not assigned. • Trusting that today’s pain fits into tomorrow’s plan we cannot yet see (cf. Genesis 50:20). Why God Might Allow Hard Things • To correct a course: Hebrews 12:10–11. • To display His strength: 2 Corinthians 12:9. • To mature faith: James 1:2–4. • To position us for future ministry: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4. Practical Steps for Embracing God’s Sovereignty 1. Pause before reacting—ask, “Lord, is this from You?” 2. Search Scripture daily; let His voice shape your perspective. 3. Surrender any impulse to “go up and fight” when He says, “Return home.” 4. Thank Him in advance for the unseen good He will weave from the struggle (1 Thessalonians 5:18). 5. Seek counsel from mature believers who also submit to God’s Word. 6. Stay faithful in small obediences—work, prayer, service—while He unfolds the bigger picture. Encouraging Reminders from Other Passages • “For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) • “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” (Psalm 138:8) • “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will do it.” (Psalm 37:5) Living in Confident Trust • Every challenge carries God’s fingerprint. • Obedience often means staying still when our instincts scream, “Charge!” • When life’s puzzle pieces don’t yet fit, remember: “This thing is from Me.” His purposes never fail, and His children are never outside His careful, loving plan. |
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