When we signed up for the Christian life, we weren’t given a bubble to protect us from the pains and problems of the world around us.

Being a believer in Jesus Christ doesn’t exempt us from the troubles of being human and being in a sinful world. As believers we may handle troubles differently and at least have a different perspective as we work through those troubles.

I like the way the Apostle Paul put it in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 when he said, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (ESV).

We struggle with illness, like unbelievers. We have broken relationships like unbelievers. We suffer the consequences of bad decisions like unbelievers. We are human like unbelievers. However, we are different in that we claim the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that means that we deal with the common sorrows of life differently -we have an eternal perspective that brings us assurance, hope, and peace.

Here are some bullet points to consider as you face troubles…

• Every difficulty is a call for us to go to prayer. Philippians 4:6 says “but in everything by prayer” which means everything or anything you may be facing is a call to pray.

• Don’t get too absorbed with negative people or media that rehearse the ills and problems of society over and over. Pull away and spend time focusing your life, mind, and heart on the Savior. Isaiah 26:3 tells us “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (ESV). When anxiety overtakes you, turn immediately to the throne of grace in prayer.

• It’s normal to be human and experience shock, grief, or the sickening feeling of horror in the unwanted circumstances of life. However, it is the next thought that occurs after those initial emotions that helps you resettle our heart and mind on the Lord. Remember the words of Jesus in John 14:1-3 “Let not your heart be troubled” because He is returning to take us to Heaven.

• Whatever we may face, it’s important to know that God’s grace is always sufficient for that trial, hardship, hurt, or situation we may be facing. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 

• Always consider that nothing we face happens outside our ability to bear with the help of the Lord. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”