It's FAR, FAR too sweeping of a comment. I don't doubt this MAY - at times - happen, but what the preacher said is absolute, universal and continuous. He has gone MUCH too far, IMO
I have a concern too with the implication that GOD is the source and cause of the "uncomfortable situations." Hum. Yes, we can find ourselves in a bad spot - perhaps because of our own sinfulness and/or stupidity (personal and/or collective) or simply because of the fallenness of the world in which we live, but GOD personally CAUSED, God is the SOURCE and exclusive REASON of it just for me? Hum. Now, God is WITH us (even in the valleys - even if we put ourselves there).... and God desires some good to come of that (eventually.... to someone...) but that doesn't mean He CAUSED it. Especially ALL THE TIME. Universally.
"Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear nothing because you are with me.... you comfort me." Ah. Doesn't say God created that valley and is the cause of why I'm there.... doesn't say it's ALWAYS the case (24/7) for EVERYONE...and the result in Psalm 23 is comfort (not rescue). We can grow through tough times via the grace and power of God - and we should. But that's not what the preacher said.
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