Responsive Hearts

Why do bad things happen to God's people? If He loves us, why do we have troubles and trials?

God could easily protect us from our trials and problems. As Jeremiah declared, "Oh, Lord God! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and with Your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!" (Jer. 32:17) Yet, God does not protect us from all troubles. He could but He doesn't, so there must be a reason.

One of His reasons is the subject of this book. God allows difficulties into our lives because of His ...

• Chastening-"If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons" (Heb. 12:7 NKJV).
• Discipline-"It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons" (Heb. 12:7 NKJV).
• Child training/education-"God is educating you; ... He's treating you as dear children. The trouble you're in isn't punishment; it's training, the normal experience of children" (Heb. 12:7 MSG)

Right now God is working in our lives to fine-tune our hearts to His heart. He tenderly develops responsive, sensitive hearts in His children. Through chastening, the Father pursues an intimate love-relationship with us. When we understand how and why our Father disciplines us, our perspective on life's trials is transformed. By faith, we see a bright future even in our dark days.

Pastor Truman Herring and Dr. Tim Christian have given readers a perspective on their problems. Loyal, responsive hearts are the ones through whom God works. They are the people who experience His supernatural favor. The authors have written Responsive Hearts with you in mind.