TRIALS AND TROUBLES: WHY?
The answer to Who, What, Where, How or When is often easy to give. But when the question "Why?" arises, we just as often cannot answer. Why does a certain person face a particular crisis? Why did a well-loved woman die in her early years? Why did disease take a loved one? We know by a study of the Bible that struggles are a part of this life. We know that God has promised to prove us, try us, and test our faith, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:12-16. But Why?. Why must this be? What possible benefit can we gain?
1. Our Sojourn on Earth is Just A Temporary One.
Our citizenship is not here, but in heaven, Philippians 3:20. We are ultimately going to our “long home,” Ecclesiastes 12:5. The problems we face here on earth, though serious at the time, are still only temporary, only momentary. If we can understand this principle, we can survive anything. God never promised us a life free from struggle and trial; to the contrary, Jesus told His apostles that they would face the most severe persecution. But they faced it for they knew it was “but for a moment,” 2 Corinthians 4:17.
2. Nothing Worthwhile is Gained Without Struggle or Effort.
Moses spent 40 years as a shepherd so he would be prepared to lead Israel through the wilderness. Jesus suffered the bitterest agony in order to give “himself a ransom for all,” 1 Timothy 2:6. We understand this principle in athletics, education, politics, science and business. We recall axiomatic cliches like “No pain; No gain” because we see them as true. In all our experiences, we see achievement only after hard work, struggle, mistakes and starting over. Such is also true in a Christian's life.
3. God's Strength Is Shown In Our Weakness, Struggles.
No Christian was more prominent than Paul by means of his life and his persecution. How he survived amazes many of us. When plagued by a
|