The title of this article expresses the feeling
of many when they are besieged with one or more of life's problems.
The answers they are seeking may be for why something is happening,
when it will end, or what the outcome will be. For others it is
a search for an answer as to why some injustice seems to go unchecked
and unpunished.
So many are unequipped to cope with life's problems
and the accompanying questions. That is because they are unprepared.
Unprepared because they fill their lives with superficial activities
and spend no time in study, meditation, and prayer.
Consider these two examples. Jesus was prepared
for Satan's temptations because He had studied the Scriptures.
Each temptation was answered with "It is written ..."
(Mt 4).
David's writings in the Psalms help many in distress.
What made this shepherd boy qualified to help so many? Let him
answer. "Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all
the day ... I have more understanding than all my teachers, For
Your testimonies are my meditation ... I am afflicted very much;
Revive me, O LORD, according to Your word." (Psalm 119:97,99,107,
NKJV) Prepare yourself now for tough times ahead by meditating
on God's word with prayer.
Do not expect all of your questions to be answered.
Most Bible students, if asked where to find the Bible answer to
the problem of pain and suffering, would answer with the book
of Job. Yet, there is no pat answer given to the question in that
book. Instead, God asked who was there to give advice to Him when
He created the world. In other words, there are some things we
might not be able to answer, but we can know that God is in control
and cares.
Let us turn our attention now to what we can do
when faced with difficult circumstances.
Be patient. Although we are encouraged
to be persistent in prayer (Lk 18:1-8), we must also recognize
that God answers prayers in His own way in His own time. Abraham
was 75 when God promised to make of him a great nation (Gen 12)
but was 100 by the time Isaac was born (Gen 21:5). Also, God sometimes
gives a better gift than what was originally requested.
Maintain your integrity. Job was faced
with several fierce trials. He lost his oxen and donkeys, his
sheep and his camels, including their attending servants in three
different but simultaneous raids. Then he lost his children and
finally was attacked with physical ill-health. His wife confronted
him asking, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse
God and die!" (Job 2:9). Throughout the book Job upheld his
integrity. His integrity involved his relationship with God. He
loved God and lived for Him. He knew he was not without sin, but
held his hope of salvation in God. His wife had decided God could
not be trusted or He would not have allowed such to happen. Many
blame God when trials occur and turn against Him. Set your heart
on God and keep your hope in Him.
Trust in the Lord. The wise man wrote,
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your
own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall
direct your paths." (Pro 3:5-6). The context of that passage
promises blessings to those who place their confidence in Him
with steadfastness. Those blessings include a long life, peace,
favor with God and man, direction, health, strength, and full
barns (abundance).
Pray with thanksgiving. Instead of worrying,
Paul exhorts that we "be anxious for nothing, but in everything
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests
be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus." (Phil 4:5-7) Put it in God's hands, and let Him take
care of it. Be thankful even when hurting. Besides, most of the
things about which we are anxious never happen. 4421 Blacksnake
Hill Rd. NE, Dover, OH 44622. 330 364-4942. chappy@tusco.net