Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Truth About Troubles


On the surface, our troubles seem like nothing more than God’s failure to uphold His Promises to us. Our faith quickly loses its luster when it is tarnished by the circumstances of our lives. We begin to question whether or not God cares, only to find ourselves deeply considering the possibility that He’s not even there. Troubles do that to us . . . they shake our faith like nothing can. But troubles accomplish many other things as well. And that’s why God allows them. His ways are so much higher . . . and His vision is reflected through His Promises. He gives us glimpses of what it looks like to look through His eyes. All we must do is to seek Him and we will find Him. And when we find Him, He pulls us close, embraces us with His grace, and reveals the “truth about our troubles.”

“For our present troubles are small 
and won't last very long.
 Yet they produce for us a glory 
that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”
(2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT)

Our troubles may not seem small at all. And they actually may last for a very, very, very long time. But in the midst of them . . . something is happening. God is at work. Here’s the truth about troubles: They are tools in the hands of God. He wastes nothing. Remember His promise: He “works ALL things for good.” (Romans 8:28—God NEVER breaks a promise.) If God never sleeps or slumbers (Psalm 121:4), He’s got a lot of time on His hands to work, and if He uses all things for good, you can be sure He is using your troubles. Let Him work, trust Him even when there is no evidence that you should, and grab hold of these simply truths to sustain you through your troubles:
  1. Although your life may seem radically out of control, God never is. He knows EXACTLY what you’re going through. He knows the reasons He’s allowing it in your life and you can trust Him. He sets the perimeters of each trial you face (God set the boundaries on the trials Job faced) and He will never allow you to face anything in which He does not have all power to sustain you and to provide you with the endurance and strength to be more than a conqueror. (And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can bear. 1 Corinthians 10:13; No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37)
  2. God has a very specific purpose for your troubles. You may not understand it all, and He may not give you any answers as you’re pouring your heart of despair out to Him, but He knows what He’s doing and He’s giving you the chance to exercise your faith. He’s providing you the opportunity to test your faith and see if it is genuine. (2 Corinthians 13:5) And this exercise is not for Him, it’s for you. Your troubles are opportunities to learn to trust that not only are His ways higher, but they are also better! (Isaiah 55:9)
  3. God will walk with you through your troubles, and at times, He will even carry you when the journey leaves you too weak to carry on. There is one promise you should cling to when your faith is wavering and doubt creeps in:  "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5) NEVER is a big word. God used it for a reason. Look it up. Never means: not ever, at no time, not under any condition. If the one and only all powerful God that created the universe is with you at ALL times, what is there to fear? Why should you worry? When you’re consumed with His presence, there is unexplainable peace in the midst of unthinkable circumstances. Hold on to the truth that God is with you . . .  always. (Matthew 28:20)

These truths being said, let me fill you in on one other small truth: God is with you because He loves you . . . unconditionally. Accept your troubles for what they are: tools in the hands of God. Seek Him and pour out your heart to Him . . . continually. Your heart is what He’s after, your faith is what He’s perfecting, and He does it all through your troubles.



7 comments:

Linda said...

POWERFUL! There have been times in my life where I cried out for the encouragement and perspective you've given today. I'll print this out and save it for future hard times.

I love what you said, "God is at work. Here’s the truth about troubles: They are tools in the hands of God. He wastes nothing." Thank you, thank you!

Linda

Jan Cline said...

Great post - encouraging. I love the fact that God is never in a panic over our situations. I need to tap into his peace more often.
Blessings.

Cherie Hill said...

Sisters, so glad this was an encouragement to you! I love how God works . . . most of the time. haha. The TRUTH is: God is good, even when life isn't. And we can trust Him at all times and in all ways!
Blessings to you!
Cherie

Paula Greene said...

My teenager is hurting from a relationship that ended today and I was at a loss as to what to tell her - at least until I read your post. I am going to remind her of these truths - thanks!!

A multi-dimensional life said...

Oh yes! Beautiful truths! God is with us and in our troubles or weaknesses we can see His sufficiency! He is calling us into His loving care!
Thank you for your constant words of encouragement and bless you richly!

Michelle said...

Another wonderfully encouraging post, Cherie! Praise the Lord, He is always in control and at work!

God bless you, Cherie.

Cherie Hill said...

Michelle, sweet sister, thank you so much for your comments! Blessings to you!!!

Paula, I will be praying for your daughter. Praying that she will know that the God of the universe loves her more than words could say. Praying she will know His love more than ever before.

MDL, praying this encouragement gives you greater strength for the journey and that your faith soars in times of doubt.

Blessings to you all sisters!
Cherie

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I am so blessed that you would take the time to share your thoughts with me! You encourage my faith and I pray that God will fill you to the full with His love, mercy,and grace! With joy, Cherie

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