Some think that just because you are a Christian you won’t ever have to go through problems. Yet the bible never promises that. In fact, it tells us the exact opposite. Job 5:7 says But a person is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly up from a fire. Basically this means that no matter what, problems come to all of us at some time.
Others think that all the problems you could ever experience in life are all mentioned within the bible. While the Bible does mention hundreds of different kinds of problems that we might experience in life, it doesn’t mention every problem. Instead, it tells us to walk by faith and trust in God. If God told us everything, there wouldn’t be any need for a daily faith in god.
Myths Surrounding Problems in Life
1. You must not be very spiritual if you have problems. The exact opposite is probably true in a lot of cases. 2 Timothy 3:12 says Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble; there's no getting around it. (msg). A good example of this would be Job. The bible describes him as being a perfect and upright man. Yet, look at the enormous problems he experienced in his life.
2. If you know enough of the Bible your problems will automatically be solved and go away. Again, this is very faulty reasoning. If someone was told by their doctor that they had a tumor, they would be crazy to think that just because they had read some medical journals on the topic their tumor would suddenly disappear. In order to remove the tumor you have to operate on it. No amount of biblical truth will solve life's problems unless we apply God's Word to our lives.
How often we as children of God become impatient, not only with one another, but also with God and get ahead of Him. As a result, we bring many problems onto our lives because we just aren’t willing to wait on God. One of the reasons why God allows us to experience problems is so we will grow stronger and learn patience. James 1:3 says For when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow.
It is almost impossible for people to be patient in a society where frozen dinners, internet access to answers, fast food lanes and speed dialing are the norm. Many people would rather do anything than wait. Often, that means doing the wrong thing in haste. Waiting on God is resting instead of worrying.
How can we encounter life’s problems without disintegrating? It’s by learning how to face your problems with patience.
Consider four ways you can develop more patience in your life.
· Wait For God’s Direction - Psalm 62:1a My soul waits in silence for God only.
· Wait For God To Provide Your Needs - Psalm 62:1b Everything I need comes from him.
· Wait For God Confidently - Psalm 62:2 God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe and the fortress where I am secure. (CEV)
· Wait Knowing God’s Promises - Psalm 12:6 The promises of the LORD can be trusted.
When we wait for God to give us direction, He does! When we trust Him to meet our needs, He will! Why should we wait on God? Because without Him we don't have: Hope – Security – Salvation. In other words, without God, we are helpless.
Scripture to Claim:
Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary. Isaiah 40:31
