Since we are humans, we will experience trouble and struggles in life. It happens if you are a Christian or not. Christians are not immune from trials and troubles or struggles. Quite the contrary.
John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
I would assume, if you are a believer in Christ, you will have more struggles than the unbeliever simply because of Satan’s attacks to draw us away from God. If you are not a believer in Christ, you may not have all that many struggles because Satan has already claimed you by default.
Jim, what do you mean, “by default?” Think about it for a minute. If a person goes through their whole life putting off making a commitment to follow Jesus, then dies, the automatic default is Satan and an eternity in hell. This person does not have to choose to follow Satan, they simply waited to long to decide to ask Christ into their heart and receiving the free gift of Salvation from Jesus. He just wants this person to turn away from sin and repent, build a close personal relationship with Him and He will see this person through every struggle life can throw at him. No default anymore. This person is now in the hands of Jesus, and no one can snatch them away.
John 10:27-30 NIV My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. [30] I and the Father, are one.”
It is easy if we are not careful to quickly place blame on God.God allows us to go through trials and struggles for growth. We grow closer to Him and lean on Him during these trials. Just as we sometimes must discipline our kids, God sometimes mustdiscipline us. These trials and struggles refine us from the inside out. It can also be a simple test from God to see if we want to seek His help or go it alone. We all know which one of those choices is best!
Why does God allow us to go through grief? The death of a loved one, cancer, financial hardships and constant worry or hurt. God loves us. He never told us or promised us life would be rainbows and Care Bears! He does however work all things together for our good, if we love God.
Romans 8:28 ESV …… And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
It is fine and ok to say, “God, I just don’t understand why you are putting me through this.” God fully understands how we think. He is not going to be upset if you ask this or even think this. But God, sees the big picture of our lives and what we need to experience, to be refined. Just hang in there and trust God because, He is in charge. The final thing to remember is, we are His children, we belong to Him. Discipline should be expected no matter our age.
I once heard this. “we are not called to happiness, we are called to holiness. The sooner we get that, the more peace we will have in any situation.”
Jim Everett
