Obedience and Trouble

"As he [Jesus] went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." - John 9:1-3

I think some Christians live with the false assumption that the troubles that come their way are a result of some sin on their part. If they were living "rightly" then they would live a trouble-free life. The fact is that spiritual obedience does not mean you will avoid the troubles of our natural lives. Jesus said, 

"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

Notice the words. "You WILL have trouble" Trouble in this life is unavoidable, but don't lose heart - trust in Jesus. 

"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:5-7

How you respond in times of trouble is a testimony of faith - or at least it can be. It is possible to be at peace and yet be up to your ears in turmoil. It is all a matter in where you have placed your faith and trust. Proverbs 3:5-8 speaks to what we should do and then what we often do.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones." - Proverbs 3:5-8

Do you see it? We are supposed to trust God and not ourselves. Not be wise in our own eyes but understand Who God is and trust Him!

God's purposes can and will be accomplished in and through us in spite of the troubles we face.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - James 1:2-3

There is, or was, a building materials store in Jacmel, Haiti with the name, Perseverance - like a little Home Depot in Haiti. Each time I drove past that store - or when I would stop in to buy materials, my heart was warmed because the name caused me to remember James 1. We faced considerable adversity during our time in Haiti, small in comparison to what the Haitians face every day - but God proved Himself faithful at every turn.

Someone once said, "There is no testimony without a test." 

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 121:1-2

I encourage you to read that entire Psalm. And then ... 

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone