When Hard Times Come To Believers

"Why?" The question was a real one out of much pain. The unthinkable had happened and a child of God was facing a great loss. We may wish that once we become saved that hardships will no more beset us, but that is not the case. God has not promised we will no longer have difficult times. The believer in Christ faces the same things as unbelievers. There will be a losses of jobs, sicknesses and even separation through death. But we are not without hope. While God has not promised to spare us these things, He will go through these things with us. This makes all the difference in the world.

The truth is that our suffering is never apart from God's sovereign will. This is not to say that God always sends the suffering or causes it but things do happen in this sinful world and God uses them in our lives to bring glory to His name. Matthew 10:30 reminds us that "... the very hairs of your head are all numbered." In other words, the smallest details of our lives are important to the One Who sent His Son to Calvary because of His love for us.When trouble comes we must remember God's love for us. Matthew 10:31 says "Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows"- Sparrows-which do not fall without God's notice (Matthew 10:29).

I Corinthians 10:13 states, "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." Many take this to say that God will not give us more than what we can handle. However, looking closer we see that we will have things that we cannot handle which is why God gives us a way to escape. It is only by looking to God's provision that we can bear the testings that come to us.

Hebrews 4:16 reminds us to "... therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. God promises grace to fulfill our needs in the time of need. Our hearts may ache with sorrow and grief but Psalm 23:4 reminds us that "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

Tears will flow and they ought to. God will not rob us of our feelings. We are saddened especially at the loss of or separation from loved ones. However, as the tears flow, look to the One Who gave His life so that death is overcome and swallowed up in victory. The time is coming when Jesus will return to this earth wiping away all tears. Amen.