Historical Posts

Troubles Come

Trouble is hard to avoid. It is the lot of every life.

Job observed, “Man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). What is its source? Again, listen to Job. “For hardship does not spring from the soil, nor does trouble sprout from the ground. Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:6-7). It’s just a part of life. There is nothing we can do to prevent it. Job was a righteous man. He worshiped faithfully. He was morally upright. He was a good father. “Yet trouble came” (Job 3:26).

It is inescapable.

The real question is not, “Will trouble come?” The question is, “How will we deal with it when it does come?” Troubles can make us or break us. Job’s wife was broken. She advised her husband to curse God and die (Job 2:9). Job, on the other hand, through it all sinned not, nor charged God foolishly (Job 1:22). In the end his faith was vindicated.

What should we learn from the story of Job?

A man’s faith should not be predicated on the number of blessings God bestows. Nor, should adversity be allowed to undermine our faith. Job proved that a righteous man could and should maintain his righteousness in the face of adversity. To a lesser degree, our faith is sure to be tested like Job’s. When that time comes, how will we respond?

The apostle Paul gives us some direction.

He wrote from prison: “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:10-13). The apostle saw his share of trouble, but he never lost hope. His faith in Christ gave him the strength to endure. He argues that the same can be true for us.