“You will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world“ (John 16: 33)
When trials come, we sometimes act as if God is on vacation. We question God, “Why is this happening to me? What did I do to deserve this? Why am I going through this difficult situation? What’s wrong with you, God?” Such complaining is shortsighted and wrong. God is far higher than we are, so who are we to say He is wrong, or tell Him what He ought to be doing? As God reminded Job, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (Job 38:4)
Such complaining also shows a lack of faith; we are doubting God’s wisdom and His love for us.
Read the promises of Scripture for the answer. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation.” He didn’t say that you could have tribulation or that if you aren’t a good person, tribulation will come your way. Jesus flatly stated, you will have tribulation. It is as certain as growing older.
But the wonderful promise of Christ is that while you will have trials and tribulations, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
So here is the hope for today and the month: God never attempts to trick us like a doctor who says, “This won’t hurt a bit.” Don’t be surprised or anxious at troubles. God hasn’t dropped the ball. Everything is going just as He said it would and will also end as victoriously as He said it would.
Have a great October.
Lovingly,
Pastor John Walworth