Where Do You Go When Troubled?

You may be enjoying a season of good times right now — no great stress, discouraging tests or deep pain. I am grateful to the Lord for providing such seasons in the lives of his children. But we know from Scripture that storms and great trials eventually come to all who have truly given everything to Christ. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).

Many who endure long trials question within, “Lord, have I grieved you in some way? Is there something in my life that hinders you from hearing my cry? I’ve been faithful to your Word, so why am I having this never-ending trial? The Bible says you won’t allow me to suffer more than I’m able to bear, but I feel like I’m at the breaking point.”

For centuries great Christians have tried to probe the reasons for the suffering of the godly, but answers seem elusive. Books are filled with opinions and advice, but the most effective approach to endurance is to cry out, “Lord, I must draw from your Word for my present need.” 

A believer comes to the place where he makes a choice either to remain lukewarm in his faith or cross the line to follow Jesus with all his heart. Although it is not possible to fully understand why Christians suffer, one thing is certain: Once you set your heart to seek the Lord, determining to lay hold of his promises, you become a target of Satan.

The devil recognizes something in every devoted Christian — something that is absolutely destructive to his kingdom. It happens when a child of God resolves to trust the Lord through everything, drawing near to him in spite of pain and difficulty. You become a target of the devil because he knows the foundations of hell are being shaken. His entire strategy is to get you to take your eyes off the victory of the cross.

Do not concentrate on your weaknesses, your sins, your shortcomings but, instead, focus on Jesus and the victory he promises.