day no. 17,249: the trouble with our troubles

“Notice that there are two elements here that Paul is concerned about. The first is the trial itself, and the second is the devil’s interpretation of it. Having a toothache is bad enough, but the suggestion that it is happening because God hates you is much worse. The deeper concern is the second one, the spin the devil puts on any trial.” — Douglas Wilson, Mines of Difficulty

Everything has problems. If you are a Christian, you have the kind of problems Christians have. Some of those problems overlap with the kind of problems all people have, like aches and pains. So, a Christian is not exempt from being human because he is a Christian. Everyone must budget for those kind of problems. But the Christian must also budget for the kind of problems that come without following Christ, which often ends in being treated like they treated Him.

“Jesus promised his disciples three things – that they would be completely fearless, absurdly happy, and in constant trouble.” — G.K. Chesterton

So, there will be trouble. Accept that fact and get on with it. Do not camp on it or wish it away. That, as Pastor Wilson pointed out above, is a good way to end up distrusting God and walking away from the faith. The trouble is a problem in itself, but a bad interpretation of the trouble is a bigger problem. Life is going to be hard, but it can be made harder if you get grumpy with God for how hard it is. Just as the Israelites.

1 Corinthians 10:1-6

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples.

The Israelites experienced many deliverances, but not before they experienced many difficulties. But God brought them through the sea and the desert that followed. Yet, for some, the troubles became the occasion for malcontentedness and mistrust. The problems revealed a bigger problem. So, be careful to budget for bonks and breaks or you will might find yourself with bigger problems.

"Expect trouble, therefore, Christian, when thou lookest beneath thee. Then look around thee. Where art thou? Thou art in an enemy's country, a stranger and a sojourner. The world is not thy friend. If it be, then thou art not God's friend, for he who is the friend of the world is the enemy of God. Be assured that thou shalt find foe-men everywhere. When thou sleepest, think that thou art resting on the battlefield; when thou walkest, suspect an ambush in every hedge... Expect trouble then, but despond not on account of it, for God is with thee to help and to strengthen thee. He hath said, 'I will be with thee in trouble; I will deliver thee and honour thee.'" — Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Morning and Evening

Christian, expect trouble, but expect help.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

You are a Christian.

Trouble will come.

Matthew 28:20

I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

You are a Christian.

Help will come.