Why Problems?
Happier Living Series
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The issue
As Christians, we are not exempt from problems, challenges, and the difficulties of everyday life. The difference, however, is that we have Christian hope, grounded in our personal relationship with God, our salvation through faith in Christ, and our promise of an eternal future in heaven. As Christians, we know how the story ends, even when we are in the middle of a difficult chapter (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). We also know that God has a purpose in everything we experience, and He has promised to work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
History shows that times of hardship, calamity, or adversity have often resulted in great courage, sacrifice, and progress. As English author Caleb Colton (1777–1832) wrote, “The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt comes from the darkest storm.”
An ancient Greek story is told of a soldier under Antigonus (382–301 BC) who had a disease that was extremely painful and likely at any time to end his life. In every campaign, he fought at the forefront of the hottest battle. His expectation of death at any time made him fearless and led him to court death on the martial field and do heroic deeds.
His general, Antigonus, so admired the bravery of the man that he had him seen by a renowned physician, who cured him of his malady. From that moment on, the valiant soldier was no longer seen at the front lines. He avoided danger instead of seeking it, and sought to protect his life instead of risking it on the field. His tribulation made him fight well and with great courage; his health and comfort undermined his usefulness as a soldier.
The Bible says that “such trials show the proven character of your faith, which is much more valuable than gold—gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away—and will bring praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7). Were we instantly relieved of some burden, or healed of some disease, or set free from some worry, we might miss out on how God intends to work through these to fulfill His good purposes in each of our lives (Philippians 2:13).
Navigating the difficulties of life
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, joys and sorrows, victories and challenges. As Christians, we embark on this journey with a unique perspective, guided by our faith and trust in God. However, it’s important to acknowledge that being a follower of Christ does not exempt us from facing difficulties. In fact, our commitment to living a godly life may bring forth even more challenges.
It’s essential to understand that encountering obstacles is not a sign of God’s abandonment or punishment but rather a part of our growth and refinement in Him. The Bible tells us that we will face trials and tribulations in this world, but it also assures us of God’s presence and faithfulness throughout the journey. By exploring the nature of challenges, the purpose they serve in our spiritual growth, and how we can overcome them through our faith, we can find encouragement and hope in adversity. …
As Christians, we are not exempt from the trials and challenges that come our way. In fact, the Bible warns us that we will face various types of challenges in our lives. These challenges can manifest in different ways and test our faith, character, and perseverance. …
When we embrace challenges with a faith-filled perspective, we become living testimonies of God’s power and glory. As we navigate through difficulties, relying on God’s strength and grace, other people around us witness the marvelous work He is doing in our lives. Our testimonies of God’s faithfulness and provision become a source of inspiration and encouragement to those around us.—Emmanuel Abimbola1
What are your heroes like?
What were their lives like? What do you admire so much about them? If you’re like most people, our heroes became our heroes because they tackled big problems and succeeded in the face of adversity. For example…
Abraham Lincoln, who made great strides to end slavery, showed bravery in his leadership as president of the United States, stood up for what he believed in spite of overwhelming odds, and ended up losing his life in the process. Mother Teresa gave up everything to serve the poor and destitute in India, truly sacrificing her time, energy, and talents to love and care for the “least of these.”
Our heroes didn’t become heroes because they had zero problems, and could sit around and watch television all day. Our heroes were active, engaged, and faced the biggest problems the world had to offer head-on. They didn’t shy away from problems—they actually pursued them like a hunter stalks his prey. When the problems seemed too big, our heroes rose to the occasion and did what needed to be done.
Remember this deep truth the next time you are faced with a problem and want to turn and run away from it. Yes, problems are difficult and stressful. Yes, problems can be painful. But what kind of person do you want to be? Do you want to be the kind of person who avoids and runs from the slightest problem or difficulty? Or do you want to be a hero, who bravely tackles the big problems in order to help make the world a better place?—Joshua Hook2
Becoming the change
Sometimes we’re discouraged and think, “Who am I? What can I do? The world’s problems all seem so hopeless and impossible. It looks like there’s nothing one person can do to change things for the better, so what’s the use of trying?”
As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, to be a part of the solution—the eternal change God wants to bring to every person’s life (2 Corinthians 5:20). We may not be able to change the whole world, but we can each be a part of the change in our part of the world. If we play our role in shining our light to those around us so that they can see it and come to know God, we will have changed a part of the world and proven that there is hope for everyone else.
Change starts with our own hearts, minds, and spirits—our commitment to love the Lord and to love others with His love, not only in word, but in deed and action. “You are the light of the world. … Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).
Paul’s response
If you were in prison, surrounded by armed guards and deprived of your freedom to come and go as you pleased, you would probably say that you had a problem—or even several problems! You would most likely feel that the best solution for the problem would be freedom!
When the apostle Paul found himself in that situation, he didn’t see it as a problem at all. Instead, he saw it as God’s divine appointment for his life. He considered the privilege God had given him to defend and establish the gospel (Philippians 1:7). He considered the opportunities he had been given of sharing Jesus Christ with the palace guards and with his fellow ministers in the city. … He was rejoicing because he knew God was using him even in prison.
Perhaps the best point of view with which to face problems is to see them as opportunities to exercise faith, to practice trusting the Lord, to prove God’s great faithfulness, and to be proved by Him. Your Christian faith is made stronger when you work together with the Lord to find solutions to life’s problems. …
[An important] principle in the Christian response to problem solving is to give God the glory. “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Praise God continually. Whenever your mind is not occupied with necessary business, develop the habit of letting praise flow silently to God. This simple practice will transform your mind. Praise Him for His faithfulness, for standing with you in all your problems.
Like Paul, share your good news with others! Paul wrote about the faithfulness of Christ when he penned the letter to his friends the Philippian Christians (Philippians 1:12). He didn’t want them to feel sorry for him! He said joyfully, “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel” (Philippians 1:4–5). Paul also shared with them some of the things he had learned as he allowed God to work out the problems in his life:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:11–13).
When we recognize that Christ is the Master of every situation that comes into our lives, that He cares about us, and that He is always working for our eternal good, we can do nothing but praise Him. He is worthy of our praise!—Journeyonline.org3
Think about it…
Too often, we’re hoping for a walk through the park instead of committing to press toward the mark. God never promised that the Christian life would be a routine, easy path every day. What God does offer, however, is a resource the world knows nothing of—Christian hope.—Paul Chappell
You do not avoid the troubles of life by being a Christian (John 16:33). Jesus warned of great difficulty in this life! Since problems in life are inevitable, tackle them head-on and use them to your advantage. … Don’t think of your problems as intrusions, welcome them as friends. God’s purpose is much bigger than those problems.—Taylor Camerer
I’ve discovered that the Bible doesn’t promise we’ll have easy, carefree lives if we follow Jesus. In fact, it teaches quite the opposite. As believers in Christ, we’re bound to suffer even more adversity as we live countercultural lives in a world antagonistic to our faith. We will be afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, and struck down. Still, Paul promised that if we face inevitable adversity head-on with the power of the gospel and we practice inner renewal day by day, we can cultivate a life of resilience.—Rebekah Lyons
What the Bible says...
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.—James 1:2–4
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.—Romans 5:3–5
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.—Philippians 4:12–13
Published on Anchor December 2024. Read by John Laurence.
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