When Trouble Comes
Troubles take many forms in our lives. Sometimes they come as illness or death; sometimes they appear as financial losses or disappointments. Whatever their shape, troubles do come! When troubles show up, they can make us bitter or they can make us better, depending on how we handle them.
How should we respond to our troubles? Here are three suggestions from 1 Peter 4:12-19 to guide you when troubles enter your life. First, examine yourself—“Let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” (v. 15) Some troubles come to us because of sin in our lives. Make no mistake about it, God will punish sin. He will either do it in the present through troubles or He will do it in eternity. Much of our troubles can be traced to our sins. If that is the case, repent of the sin, confess it to God and then begin to serve Him in sincerity. Second, improve yourself—“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (v. 16) Troubles can become instruments of God to make us stronger people. Helen Keller, who was born blind, deaf and mute, said, “I thank God for my troubles, for through them I found myself, my work, and my God.” When troubles come use them to become a better person. Third, commit yourself—“Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (v. 19) When troubles come, avoid the temptation to have a pity party for yourself. Self-pity is a widespread disease! Don’t fall into the pattern of retelling your problems to everyone you see. Instead, put your life and your troubles in God’s hands; He will take care of you.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.