I can remember hearing Christians say things that might make one think if you're following Christ nothing bad should ever happen to you. Perhaps you don't have enough faith. Perhaps you have un-confessed sin in your life. The reality is Jesus said that we WILL have tribulation in this world.
"I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33) So what do we do when our world crashes down around us? We turn to Jesus. Does that mean that the child will get well or the friend will give up the addiction or a new job will be found today? Not necessarily.
Jesus didn't say I will take away all your tribulation but I will give you peace. Peace is not complacency; not an "Oh, well, there's nothing that can be done" attitude. Peace is a realization the God is in control. Yes, we still pray. Yes, we still speak words of encouragement. Yes, we still go about living and doing what God has called us to do. But we remember God's love toward us, understanding that His love is perfect and "perfect love casts out fear". (1 John 4:18)
The apostle Paul said, "We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)
So when life is hard - as it will be for all of us at some time - know that God is building character and hope in Him for those of us who are His children. "But to all who did receive [Jesus], who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:12) The best question to ask when life is hard is have I received Jesus so that I may know His peace and God's love.
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