When you come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, it is easy to believe that everything will be perfect and that there will never be any more difficulties to face. I believed that for my life. I believed that Jesus would sweep in and clean up the messes in my life, and then everything would be perfect. Maybe you thought that, too.
Unfortunately, many have believed this lie. I don’t know where it originated, but I do know this: Jesus told us we would have troubles on this earth (John 16:33).
So, if troubles are inevitable, whether we choose to receive the forgiveness and salvation Jesus offers or not, what’s the point in following Jesus? If bad things are going to happen no matter what we do, what difference does following Jesus make? Good questions!
God has promised us in His Word that He will always be with us (Matthew 28:20). He promises us that we don’t need to be afraid when the storms rage, the waves crash, and the winds blow because He is right there with us (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 14:27). God always keeps His promises, no matter how long it takes (Hebrews 6:16-18). He promises us His presence, help (Psalm 46:1), and peace (Isaiah 26:3-4).
I have found that I not only grow the most when I am going through a difficult season, but I can also recognize God’s presence more easily during these seasons. It is easy to forget that God is right there when things are going well. When everything seems to be all sunshine and rainbows, His presence may be more difficult to see because we aren’t looking to Him for help.
James 1:2 tells us to consider it an opportunity for great joy when troubles come our way. This doesn’t mean we celebrate difficult seasons of life: “I lost my job! Let’s cut the cake and celebrate!” That notion seems a bit ridiculous. It does mean that we have an opportunity to lean on Jesus even more. It means we have an opportunity to see with our own eyes the goodness and faithfulness of God in our own lives.
For many of us, if it weren’t for the difficult seasons, losses, tragedies, and illnesses, we might never be able to recognize our need for God. Without them, we may not recognize God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. The hard things we experience help us recognize that we need someone bigger than ourselves to get through them. We all have a choice when we face difficulties. We can use them to run toward God, cling to Him, and draw strength from Him, or we can turn our backs on Him and drift away.
God promises that He will comfort us when we go through difficult things.
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4)
I don’t know what you are walking through right now, but I am thankful that the Lord does. He knows your struggles, your hurts, and your pain, and He wants you to know that He is right there with you. He walks beside you through the valley and will never leave or forsake you. When you mourn, He will comfort you. He will not leave your side. All the difficult things you go through on this earth will not be in vain. I pray you choose to draw nearer to Him so that you will be comforted by His presence.
To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. (Isaiah 61:3)
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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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