Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Dealing with Trouble

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

It would seem that most of us who follow Jesus often forget these words.  Why else would we be surprised, and often disillusioned, when trouble comes into our lives?   I recently talked with a student who had a lot of “why me” questions.  Events in her life have shaken her faith.  

My wife and I were having lunch with some friends the other day and we were talking about how the New Testament writers, with only one exception, never wrote or prayed about being shielded from trouble, but rather how to thrive in the midst of it.  Paul praying for the “thorn” to be removed (II Corinthians 12:8-10) was the one exception, and the Lord told him no, that His grace was sufficient for him and that His power was made perfect in weakness.  

James says that we should “count it pure joy” when trouble comes into our lives because it develops within us perseverance. (James 1:2-4) Peter says, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (I Peter 4:12-13)

The reality is we live in a fallen world controlled currently by the Enemy. Trouble is his game.  None of us are immune or exempt, even if we are followers of Jesus.  He, too, experienced much trouble during His life. The promise we have been given, however, is that through Jesus we can overcome whatever trouble we encounter in our lives.  

Today, as James and Peter exhort us, embrace trouble as an opportunity to share in the experience of Jesus.  It was not easy for Him, nor will it be for you, but take heart, He overcame what the world threw at Him.  And if you are following Him, you can as well.

© Jim Musser 2015

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