Processing

Troubles

by Tina

I’ve been troubled by troubles. Not simply my own. Seeing people that I care for struggle has been difficult for me as well. There’s a lot of it out there, and for someone who is very empathic (points to self) life has been draining. 

I messaged my friend Ronda about how I was feeling and asked her to pray. Scripture wasn’t bringing me any comfort. In fact I was struggling to absorb and understand things. I didn’t have a clue what I was going to post on Monday. Andrew prayed with me as well, and on Monday morning what I would share finally came to me.  I was also struggling to finish this piece. Nevertheless, the words for this came on Monday as well.

Those prayers were answered and God’s grace was sufficient, but there are definitely days when I wish it were easier. I’m not the only one. Paul the apostle asked God (three times) to have his thorn removed because it was painful. However, the Lord informed Paul that His grace would be sufficient for him. Sometimes our requests aren’t answered in the way we would prefer.

Even though life is hard, I see that the Lord is teaching me to trust Him. He’s holding off giving me the words just long enough for me to to see that He will come through at just the right time. 

I’ll be honest. I don’t like it. I don’t like that lack of control. If we’re honest we’ll admit that we want some control. But who knows better about the grand scheme of things than our Father God? I should take some comfort in knowing that He holds the future. I should rest at Jesus’ feet knowing that I don’t have to figure it all out. He’s got it worked out.

Scripture tells us to accept troubles. So I’ve been repeating these two words over and over in my head hoping they’ll sink in. Reading what Scripture says and why it’s important might be more helpful. 

Why is it important to accept our hardships? For starters God gives us both good times and bad times. They both serve their purpose. As difficult as these hard times are, those who don’t accept troubles will seek a path that’s easier or much more appealing to them. They will start listening to what they want to hear rather than the truth. What’s worse is that these same people may lead, teach, or be an example to others. Instead of sharing the truth they’ll spread lies that lead people away from Jesus and His saving grace. The truth doesn’t always feel good, but it sets people free and saves lives. It’s important that we’re choosing the right path. 

Teachers Who Say Things They Want to Hear…

“The time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching. They will find more and more teachers who are pleasing to them, teachers who say things they want to hear. They will stop listening to the truth. They will begin to follow the teaching of false stories. But you should control yourself at all times. When troubles come, accept them. Do the work of telling the Good News. Do all the duties of a servant of God.” 

2 Timothy 4:3-5

(Photo credit goes to Pixabay.com user josealbafotos.)

17 thoughts on “Troubles”

  2. Wow, it amazed me how God gave you the words at the right time. In a way, it is a humbling blessing to see that He is enough and He is on time. It reminded me of something I heard Charles Stanley talk about once. When he was little, his mom would trust God to provide their rent money each week. She didn’t know when or how it would work out, she just trusted. Hearing that story touched me and made me want to have that level of faith. But I do understand being in your shoes and living out your troubles is far from easy. I am so sorry that it has been a continuous struggle for. I pray that the Lord brings you a breakthrough soon. Much love, my friend. ❤️

    Like

    Reply

  4. Not only must we accept our times of trouble, but according to Romans 5:3-5, we should also exult in them (boast, take pride, glory). That doesn’t even seem possible sometimes. But Paul tells us we do this because tribulation brings perseverance which brings proven character, the character of Christ. That proven character brings us hope which doesn’t disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has poured God’s love into our hearts. That’s quite a promise. And it all comes when we learn to exult in our troubles. A hard but definitely beneficial lesson to learn. May that hope be yours in unlimited measure to see you through each day in victory. God bless you, Tina.

    Like

    Reply

  5. Another lovely article Tina…..
    sometimes I feel this Jesus dude has no idea about time…..yeah, sure I trust Him and all….but good God, can you puhleez expedite….Oh He knows….I whine a bit much at times….😉🤪😅🤣🤣😉🙈
    Good reminder…..to stand firm in bad times as well….and choose the right, not easy path….
    we often rationalize our actions….but God knows our motives …..
    You spoke of discernment….that is something I really struggle with. I really don’t know how to fix it. I just wished the Holy spirit would filter all things that came my way,🤩😉🥰🙏🏼

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks Ruelha. Yes, waiting on God’s timing for things isn’t easy. I suppose He uses this, as well, to draw us closer and teach us patience. I feel as if I’m such hard work though. I’m not patient especially when I’m not feeling well or someone I care for is struggling. Then I really want His timing to be so much speedier.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I can totallyyyyyyyy relate to that Tina….
        It’s like I understand it but I still don’t like it
        …I know it serves a purpose….but it’s still blah to me 🤪😅😉🙈🤭😁😉😅

        Like

  6. Love that God gave you the words!! Praying your feeling His presence in the good and bad…there’s so much growing to experience through Him when times are tough. Love to you!! 🙏🙏🙏

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Bridget A. Thomas Cancel reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s