“Do not be surprised . . as if something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 NIV
“Faith does not offer the righteous an exemption, but extends an uplifting expectation.”
My thoughts today are about “trouble.”
There is a wishful supposition that is not all that uncommon, but is unrealistic. The assumption is that if you do what’s right, nothing bad should occur. “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. ‘Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.’ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have . . do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:14-15 NIV. Live with Godly hope whatever the present situation may be.
Life soon teaches you this aspect of reality – good things happen to bad people; bad things can and do happen to good people. David struggled with his faith to understand why the Godly suffer and the wicked prosper. His innate sense of fairness was offended. Read Psalm 73:1-15 NLT. Living right does not mean that nothing wrong will ever happen to you, though careless living guarantees that things will go even more wrong for you. “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though some strange thing were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12 NIV. Faith does not insulate you from the common, human experience of suffering.
You live in a fallen, sinful world where there is little that remains as God created and still intends it to be. Crime, cruelty, accidents, personal tragedies and natural disasters, as well as sickness and disease populate the world, and you are not immune to any of those experiences. This world is not a safe place. “But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” See Psalm 73:16-26 NLT. David found the place where truth gives rest for the soul; so will you.
The Bible does not hide the reality of trouble; people just want to believe otherwise. The Bible says plainly in both Old and New Testament, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles but the Lord delivers him from them all . . I have told you theses things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.“ Psalm 34:18-19/John 16:33 NIV. Notice the stark contrast Jesus draws? You are in a world where trouble abounds; you can be “in Jesus” where you find abundant peace! Faith is not for cowards; faith is for real people living in a very real world! See James 5:13 NLT.
God never colors the truth nor sugar-coats reality. Trouble comes to diverse areas – health, finances, family, business, conflicts, and tragedy; has varying duration, from brief to long, even life-long; and has differing intensities, from slight to severe. Trouble rarely has rhyme or reason, nor is it a respecter of persons. ”God makes His sun rise on the evil and good, and sends rain on the just and unjust.” Matthew 5:45 NKJV. Like the weather or daybreak, trouble is non-discriminatory.
There is one thing common to us all; you will feel pain and ask, “Why?” You probably will not find an adequate explanation, apart from eternal truth, and in trusting the righteous character and faithfulness of God. Faith does not offer the righteous an exemption, but extends an uplifting expectation, both now and forever. 1 Peter 1:6-7/Philippians 3:20-21 NLT.
My prayer for you today is that you will keep your problems in perspective.