Trouble

If anyone tells you that living the Christian life is easy and if you are a good Christian you will be prosperous, run the other direction for the truth is not being spoken. The truth is that there will be tough times in our lives. Why should we expect otherwise? Jesus mentions his trials during the last meal he ate with his disciples.

“You are those who have stood by me in my trials.” Luke 22:28 NIV

As a matter of fact, Paul warns his followers that trials will happen and to be prepared for them.

“so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV

Life on earth will include difficult times because Satan loves to attack those who love Jesus. What is ironic is that Satan means to hurt us, but God will allow unpleasant situations in our lives to draw us closer to him. Isn’t it sad that we seem to be willing to rely on God most when life is challenging?

If we are promised that we will face difficulties even if we live good Christian lives, why should we bother? Why not just do as we please?

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 NIV

First, our troubles are temporary. Our salvation is eternal.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith — of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire — may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

So God is allowing our temporary challenges to refine us—to shape us—to grow our faith.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV

Lord, shape my attitude. May I see each difficulty as a chance to grow closer to you.