When Trouble Comes - and It Will!

Trouble comes. It’s guaranteed. See John 16:33. We are told to rejoice - give glory, honor, and praise - in all circumstances; IN our trouble. But when life goes ‘belly-up’ -- have you been there? -- the Enemy whispers, 'Does God really love you’? If God is good, why does He allow _____?' And we are at risk; tempted to doubt everything Truth. 

The world blames God when bad things happen. In our trouble, though we have been taught better, we are tempted to agree. But when we stay IN the Word through the trouble, we understand who it is that has come to kill, to steal and to destroy. We know who to blame! And we also know Who can redeem that stealthy one’s evil. We know that, except for the restraining hand of God, this world’s trouble would have no boundaries.

So what should we do? In our troubles, we run to God. The One who sets boundaries on troubles. The One who makes a way where there seems to be no other way. The One who guides us through the impossible and into our next season until someday, we as the adopted children of God, find ourselves in Eden restored. It is our hope - our confident assurance through Jesus Christ, who was resurrected from the dead! In Christ, we look forward to an inheritance which is beyond the reach of change - it is undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for we who are protected and shielded by the power of God through faith for salvation.

THIS! This is what Jesus meant when He lovingly said in John 16, 'in this world, you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world.' 

My world is calm today. But I have experienced trouble — countless times. Had I not been a woman IN the Word, I might have forgotten that God loves me. I can confirm, His love holds firm through the trouble. Can you testify?