When troubles come, people normally have a tendency to respond in a way that shows their true colours. Fearful people tend to feel very afraid, even traumatised when tragedy strikes. Others tend to disappear, leaving their family and friends behind. Some, out of a lack of faith, begin to doubt God and question His goodness. These are but sad realities in our lives, realities that reveal the true intentions of our heart.
Look back to a time when you faced troubles. How did you respond? Can you say with boldness that your faith in God did not waver? Or that your love for your spouse or family did not budge? Or your stand against sin did not change?
If we are honest enough to admit it, most of us will say that in one way or another our faith in God and love for others isn't fully built up just yet.
Would you want to build yourself up to be ready for troubled times?
Here are some things that you as a Christian should remember when you go through troubled times.
1. God is not the one you should blame for your troubles
Most people blame God for all the troubles and problems that happen in their lives, likely because they don't know that God is not the one who tempts people or leads them to sin. James 1:13 tells us, "And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else."
2. Troubles aren't meant to destroy you, but to reveal areas in your life that you should develop
While God isn't the one who tempts and gives us troubles, the Bible says that He is the one who tests the hearts of men, so that He can purify them and make them righteous. Malachi 3:3 says, "He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness."
God will allow us to go through fiery tests so that the intentions of our heart would be revealed and made plain even to ourselves. Only when we see the truth about us can we respond in kind. When we realise how sinful, or how arrogant, or how lukewarm we are towards Christ, that's when we can turn back to Him and change our ways.
3. Trust in the Lord always, in good and in bad
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
No matter what troubles or good times we face, we should never lose sight of God. Trust Him in and for both the good and the bad. Continually acknowledge and seek Him. He'll never leave you nor forsake you (see Deuteronomy 31:6; Hebrews 13:5).
