Problems

Everybody has problems.  It is sad and not much fun to talk about.  Nevertheless, it is true.  I never met a person who didn’t have problems at some time in their life.  The rich man in his penthouse may be told that he has cancer.  The poor woman in Nigeria watches as terrorists kill her husband and burn down their subsistence farm because they are Christians.  The talented and dedicated worker endures mistreatment by a supervisor who is afraid the worker will take his job.  A child is bullied at school.

Our problems do not go away when we get saved.  Sometimes we have more of them, or the problems we have get worse; or both.  When we accept the gift of salvation and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we are changed.  By living to please the Spirit we may lose friends.  Family members may forsake us.  People at work may withdraw thinking that we have become a “fanatic.”  We may not be have the ethical “flexibility” we used to on the job, and it may diminish our employer’s estimation of our effectiveness.

Our Lord does not, however, leave us without comfort.  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NASB) *

And, again He says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” (2Corinthians 12:7 NASB) *

Speaking by the Apostle Paul, the Holy Spirit instructs us about dealing with our problems in the grace Jesus gives us:

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.  And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;  and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (emphasis added) (Romans 5:1-5 NASB) *

In the inspiration of the Spirit, other New Testament writers give us the same guidance:

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  (James 1:2-4 NASB) *

Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5: 7-11 NASB) *

… applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,  and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.  (2Peter 1:5-7 NASB) *

Although there is disagreement about the human authorship of the Book of Hebrews, the Spirit’s message is the same:

… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12: 1-3 NASB) *

If we persevere and patiently endure, resting in the power of His favor and the strength of the Holy spirit, then we can know that our trials in this earthly existence will help us grow and become stronger – better – in Him.  Therefore, we can count our troubles as a source of joy because we know:

… that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. (Romans 8:28-30 NASB) *

Please pray with me:

Heavenly Father, please forgive us our sins and hear our prayer.  Please help us in our time of trouble.  We know that without You we can accomplish nothing, but in You all things are possible.  Take away our sense of entitlement and resentful feelings that we deserve better; for You know the depth of our unworthiness, due to sin.  You suffered for us, Lord, and we are not above our Master.  In Your mercy, give us the strength to endure, persevere, and to do all things in You and for Your honor and glory.  Give us faith that You will make everything work out for the best in the end.  Your will be done.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

*  https://biblehub.com/