All these things are against me!',

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"All these things are against me!" Genesis 42:36

What things? 
These losses, 
these crosses,  
these bereavements,  
these persecutions,  
these sorrows,  
these sicknesses. 

Against you? 

Never! They can never be against you—unless they . . .
lead you into sin,
bind you faster to this world,
alienate your mind and heart from God,
and prevent your being useful in your generation. 

They can never be against you . . .
if they wean you from world, 
if they lead you to God, 
if they endear the Saviour, 
if they render the Bible more valuable, 
if they make you long for your heavenly home!

They are not against you—but for you!

You forget that they come according to the arrangements of a gracious providence, and that your heavenly Father sends them for your good. 

Stop your complaining, for it springs from . . .
ignorance of God's Word, or
forgetfulness of your many mercies and sins, or
from unbelief and a bad temper; 
and it reflects badly upon the love, care, and kindness of your God. 

Yes, these things are painful, trying, and perplexing; but they are intended to do you good, they are working together under divine direction for your present and everlasting welfare—even while you are complaining about them! Beloved, how apt we are to mistake the design of our trials, and to lose sight of God's promises.