Proverbs 24:10: If you falter in times of trouble, how small is your strength.
In life death, taxes and trouble are a given. It would be marvelous to live a life free from trouble, but until you move into that heavenly city, trouble will be part of life.
Some trials or trouble come to you because of your faith in Jesus Christ. All who live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Trouble also comes because of poor choices. You do reap what you sow. If you sow to the flesh, you will face trouble. Trouble also comes to you because of the actions of other people who affect your life. Several years ago I dealt with trouble at work for many months because of the poor decisions of my boss. His trouble spilled over on me.
I do have good news!! Whatever the source of your trouble, God wants you to persevere and to walk through the trouble in his victory. God will even use the trouble to bring you into maturity.
James 1:2-5 speaks of this maturation process. 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. If any of you lacks wisdom, hw should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
At times it can be difficult to comprehend that God instructs us to consider it pure joy when trouble comes. Trouble of any sort is usually quite unenjoyable. But God provides grace that will enable you to walk in joy, and to pass victoriously through the trouble.
In the late 70's I purchased a new Oldsmobile Delta 88. It was the best car that I have ever owned. At that time I was the pastor of a small church in Pike County, Mississippi. The church provided me with the opportunity to broadcast a 15 minute devotional program each Saturday on a local radio station.
One afternoon I drove to the radio station in McComb to tape my broadcast for the following Saturday. I parked in front of the station, which was one of the busiest streets in McComb. After taping the broadcast I walked out of the station to witness a car, which had been stopped at a traffic light, roll back and hit my car. The driver completely zoned out.
This was minor trouble, but God did give me the grace to rejoice. I said that it was no big deal, and that I would get it repaired. No problem!! Most of the personnel of the radio station came out of the station to check on my car. They were amazed that I was so joyful. I was able to be a witness of the joy of Jesus to those employees.
We must realize that when you profess faith in Christ, there are people who will watch you to see how you handle trouble. If your strength is small, and you falter, those watching will notice. But if you walk in joy and in the grace of God through the trouble, you will be to them a witness of the power of God.
Take note of verse five in James 1. If you will take this verse in the context, you will see that if you are in a trial or in trouble, and you don't know what to do, then you can ask God for his wisdom. He is generous with his wisdom. He is not looking to find fault in your life. He wants to help you.
Next week I will discuss some keys to help you to prepare for the day of trouble. You want to be prepared. You want to be strong in the day of trouble, for your good, and for the glory of God.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org