If Being a Christian is So Great, Why Do I Have Problems?

                “Preacher, you tell me that being a Christian is the greatest life in all the world. At times I’m sure that is right, but there are a lot of times that I just don’t understand. It seems to me that if God really loves and cares for His own, then I just wouldn’t be having any problems. But I sometimes can’t seem to make ends meet, and sometimes things just don’t go well at home. Sometimes at work everything seems to fall apart. Why is this so?”

                These are questions that each of us face from day to day. We see the prosperity of the wicked. We see what appears to be smooth-sailing and happiness on the part of those who are not Christians. We are sometimes like Asaph who said, “I was envious at the prosperity of the wicked” (Ps. 73:3). He went on to say, “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, and washed my hands in innocence” (vs. 13). So this is pretty much a universal feeling on the part of those who strive to be righteous. Let me make a few suggestions:

                1. God never promised to take away our problems. Jesus did not come to earth for the purpose of removing all the social and physical problems that may plague man. He came to save our souls. He did not promise that we would not have difficulties on our job or a home life without any conflicts. In fact, He indicated that problems would come. He said that we would be persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Read Matt. 10:34-39. What He did promise was grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:14-16).

                2. Paul is a great example of facing trials in this life. He was completely devoted to Jesus Christ (Gal. 2:20). Yet, he was often made to suffer by the hands of the enemies of the cross. Read 2 Cor. 11:23-33. However, he did not give up or put blame on God. Rather, he said, “Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need” (Phil. 4:11-12). How was he able to have such an attitude? “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (vs. 13). Let us go to class with Paul and learn the lesson of contentment that he learned and the lesson that he taught: “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content” (1 Tim. 6:8).

                3. Let us learn the lesson of James 1:2-4. “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” If we will learn to approach life with an attitude that says, “I may have some difficulties, but I will be master of them rather than allowing them to control me. I will use these trials to build more strength in my spiritual life.” But so doing, we can overcome.

                No, we are not promised “a bed of roses” while we are here. But we are promised happiness in serving Him now and we are promised Heaven in the world to come. That makes it all worth-while. So, when you have difficulties, don’t give up and don’t blame God. Put the blame on the shoulders of the devil — that’s where it belongs.

Forrest D. Moyer (July 1988)