Trouble is Guaranteed
Key Verse to Read and Treasure
Man born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1, ESV)
For Insight
Some say there are only two guarantees in life: taxes and death. So true. Even if you don’t pay much in taxes you will encounter them somewhere along the way and as for death there is no getting around it.
Jesus offers insight about another guarantee. He promises in this life we will have trouble (John 16:33) and unless we were hatched from an egg we can count on experiencing all kinds of trouble: Trouble with our health, trouble with our finances, trouble in our marriage and relationships, trouble growing up, trouble at school, trouble on the job, trouble with the economy, trouble making ends meet, trouble being understood, trouble understanding others at times, trouble, trouble, trouble. You name it if it has anything to do with living life on earth there is potential for trouble. Trouble is sometimes sitting at the end of our bed just waiting for us to wake up from a good night’s rest.
It’s impossible to live this earthly life and avoid experiencing trouble. Jesus wanted us to know we would have trouble, but he also wants us to know something else about trouble; it won’t last always and God is a refuge in our time of trouble (Jer. 16:19); a shelter in the stormy places of life. Solomon wrote that everything has a season and some seasons are full of trouble: one thing after another. Some troubles take longer than others to pass but when we look to and trust in the One who is able to get us through and help us overcome trouble, we can stand firm or move forward in faith knowing that our trouble will pass or be under control and at some point we will be victorious over our troubles.
Have you noticed that as your faith in God increases so does your tolerance for the troubles that come upon you? That you might be in-the-thick of trouble, but you can encourage yourself by remembering and repeating “this too shall pass.” In his letter to the Corinthian Church Paul also reminds them and us that “these momentary and light afflictions are transient.” (4:18). And as Peter wrote, no trouble is pleasant at the time but serves the purposes of God. If there is any comfort or encouragement to gain from our troubles, it might be remembering that God will only allow our troubles to stay as long as they serve His purposes in us and for our life and God will never do anything to harm us even when what we are experiencing does not feel pleasant or helpful at the time.
So many good sermons we could preach and be encouraged as we read God’s Word. Each one purposed to strengthen and help us in the time of trouble. Each one bringing us closer to the care of our faithful Father God and loving Savior.
Praying Job 14:1
O God, these troubles are sometimes more than we can bear—at least they feel that way. Our troubles are real and have potential to overcome us. Help us to cling to Your promises whenever we experience any trouble. Hep us to hold on and hold out. Be our deliverer and refuge in trouble because it’s only under Your care we will make it and experience victory no matter what the trouble is.
Prayer Challenge
If you are going through any trouble pray to hold on and hold out, dig your heels of faith in and trust God to deliver you.
Digging Deeper
Devotionally Yours 