Hard Doesn't Mean It Isn't From God

Just because something is difficult doesn’t mean it isn’t from God.

Jesus told His disciples that in this world they would have trouble, but to take heart, because He has overcome the world. Those are the words of our Lord and Savior, and He is making us a promise. We will have troubles.

I know we want to think that once we become Christians, our lives will get easier. That’s the opposite of what Scripture teaches in so many ways. It’s also one of the reasons people leave their faith when times get hard.

This is where a really good foundation comes in and needs to take hold. If you have a strong foundation, it doesn’t matter how far life leads you astray. You’ll always find your way back to the Lord.

Yes, No, or Not Yet

Another thing I think about is that the Lord typically gives us one of three answers: yes, no, or not yet. Most of us don’t like “not yet” because it takes patience. Patience isn’t a strong suit for a lot of us, so when we’re given something difficult, the waiting gets even tougher.

Even when we get a yes or a no, we sometimes don’t truly believe it. But I know “not yet” is the toughest answer, because we want things done on our own time, not on the Lord’s time.

It is so hard to remember that the Lord is in control of time. This life is just a tiny speck of the eternal life He has promised us with Him.

Every bit of creation points back to its Maker. This one points to John 16:33:

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.