Christ and Your Troubles
Preacher and author John Piper in his book The Roots of Endurance wrote, “Existence in this world will not be pain-free and trouble-free. There will be groaning because of our finitude and fallenness, and many afflictions because of our calling. Frustration is normal. Conflict, persecution, danger, stress — they are all normal. The mind-set that moves away from these will move away from reality and away from Christ.”
Does the Scripture say the same thing?—Indeed it does!
King David remarkably wrote, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.”
The Moabites, Ammonites and other enemies had surrounded Jehosaphat and his army. They knew that they were in big trouble. King Jehoshaphat didn’t know whether to muster the militia and fight them head on or shut themselves up in Jerusalem and make the best defense that they could.
What he didn’t do is to lean to his own understanding. When we haven’t got a clue what to do, remember his words “Nor do we know what to do but our eyes are upon You.”
When trouble comes, God gets our attention. Here are some points to remember:
1. Do not forget the words of James: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
2. Reaction is understandable, but overreaction is crippling. Paul reminds us in I Thessalonians “Don’t sorrow as others who have no hope.”
3. The oft-repeated “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” is not a cliché.
4. Remember, too, the Apostle’s attitude, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
5. God sees the end from the beginning. We can, too, to some degree. Revelation Chapter 21 tells us that there is a day ahead when “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Think of what will vanish: tears, death, sorrow, pain.
For the Christian, there is a TROUBLE FREE time coming!
