Some television evangelists have unfortunately created the false impression that if we turn to God we will be guaranteed nothing but health, wealth and happiness. Although becoming a Christian often enables people to live healthier lives, become wiser with their money, and avoid some situations that bring sorrow and division, Jesus certainly never guaranteed that his followers’ lives would be trouble free. Indeed he told his disciples that ‘In this world you will have troubles’. See John 16 v 33a. God does however make promises in his word to those who follow him that can be a great encouragement when they pass through difficult times.

1 – He has promised his people guidance when they are perplexed

In many places in the Bible God promises not simply to tell them the direction to go in life but to so bring about circumstances that he will ensure that they do. The writer of the book of Proverbs says ‘Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths’. See Proverbs 3:5-8; 4: 18 & 19. Do you lack purpose and direction in life and feel as though you are struggling on through a maze alone? If so God wishes to draw alongside you, to support you, to guide and go with you, and to give you confidence and purpose. Why not ask him to?

2 – God has promised his people comfort in sorrow

Man’s disobedience in the Garden of Eden and the resulting curse on the whole world has brought sickness, disharmony, disappointment and death and along with them sadness and sorrow. His children are not promised immunity from them. However in the midst of these things you can still have great hope. The apostle Peter was able to say in his letter to Christians ‘He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you’. See 1 Peter 1 v 3-7. What a promise to hold on to during the inevitable trials of life! Indeed Paul, writing from a prison cell while facing possible death and after being beaten, stoned and shipwrecked, was even able to tell the Christians in Rome that ‘what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later’ and, incredible though it may seem, ‘that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them’. See Romans 8 v18 & 28.

3 – God can help you overcome the troubles of this world

At the same time that Jesus told his disciples they would have trouble he also said ‘but take heart! I have overcome the world’. See John 16 v 33b. Perhaps you are struggling with strong temptation, and are doing something you know you shouldn’t but can’t stop. Whether this comes from within yourself, or from the world, or even from Satan, God can help you overcome it. See James 4 v 1-10. You need no longer be a slave to sin because, on the cross, Jesus paid the price that was required to buy us out of the slave market of sin. See Romans 6 v 1-14. In his first letter to the church at Corinth, a major seaport full of all sorts of temptation, Paul said ‘God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it’. See 1 Corinthians 10 v 12&13.

Are you perplexed by life’s circumstances, saddened by certain events or distressed by your failures? – Come to Christ as you are, he has overcome the world and ‘in Him’ you can too.

Categories: Proverbs