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THE UPSIDE TO TROUBLE

by linzy bruno  
11/30/2023 / Bible Studies

 

Inasmuch as we live in a fallen world, problems both big and small are a fact of life. No one can reasonably expect to go through life trouble-free. But, as children of God, believers do not have to succumb to a fallen attitude. We can live above the circumstances of life and abide in the joy of the Lord. Notwithstanding, this reality does not have to control our outlook, mood or countenance before God. Thanks be to Him, we can have a positive outlook no matter what’s happening in our lives.

God’s Word has a great deal to say on this subject. Jesus taught His disciples not to worry about tomorrow, but simply trust God in Matthew 6:25-34. Moreover, He taught that they could have peace in His Perfection:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

And Jesus also taught that no one can take our joy in the Lord away from us. He told His disciples of His impending death and promised to send His Spirit of Comfort:

“But when the helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me.”  (John 15:26)

Further to this end, Paul taught his church to rejoice in weakness, because when we are weak, we are strong, in Him. Jesus will show up with wisdom, direction and strength concerning our proper outlook toward our problem/s, provide us with comfort and direction and help us to find answers to the finer details in dealing with our issues, as we trust Him through it all…

“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2Corinthians 12:10)

Paul also taught that our troubles are small and brief in comparison to the glorious future God has for us in Heaven:

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2Corinthians 4:17)

Furthermore, he instructed them to trust God through all their trials and they will receive the joy of the Lord, His Comfort and Peace:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

He also said we ought to look on purpose for the upside to our problems, give God thanks and we will be able to remain joyful:

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Other of the Apostles also taught in this manner. Peter taught that our trials are temporary and carry valuable life lessons, while also helping us grow spiritually and also grow closer to God; He refining us in the fire:

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,” (1Peter 1:6-7)

The writer of Hebrews (Probably Paul) has instructed us to look to Jesus’ Example in Hebrews 12:2:

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

And Paul and Silas demonstrated joy in their imprisonment in Acts 16:25:

“But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”

James, the brother of Jesus, taught that going through difficulty is a test of our faith, while also helping us develop patience:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

Also noteworthy are the Scriptures that illustrate our Great God’s lovingkindness, which uplift and encourage us:

Zephaniah 3:17, Psalm 94:19, 30:11, 119:111 & 126:3-5, Isaiah 61:3 & 61:10, Romans 12:12, Philippians 4:4 & 1Peter 1:8-9

 

 

NKJV

 

 

 

 

Linzy has been writing for many years; seriously since her 3 kids were still young and inspirational. She has taken 2 courses in Bible studies and completed "Four Soils" Bible study course in a 26-month period; earning her certification in Bible Counselling.

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