Double Trouble

Trouble always seems to find those doing right. If everything were easy though, nothing would really have any worth. What would easy be without trouble anyway? I tend to look at trouble as I do pain, it’s temporary. And what doesn’t kill you surely makes you stronger. Don’t look at trouble as a burden then. Find your strength on the other side of it. Let that be your motivation to keep strong and press through it!

There are two kinds of trouble. There are trials and tribulations where God puts you through tests to strengthen and build your faith, and there are attacks where the devil comes to steal what God has for you and discourage you.

I’m a firm believer in the notion that “everything happens for a reason”. Whether it’s just the devil or God working around you I strongly believe this. From the deaths of your loved ones, to getting fired at work… to divorces and separations among spouses and rebellious children, these things effect those involved as well as those around those involved. In many of the cases trouble acts as a wake up call. That would be a trial. In other cases the devil is plotting to ruin you and overall turn away from God. We often wonder why God lets these things happen to us too.

I’m so glad God has put this topic in our lives this month because all throughout this month I’ve been reminded of very important weapons to battle trouble as well as trails. These two principles echo in my mind constantly now. The first is this… The greater your trouble, the greater your reward. Along the same path as that is… God will give you double for your trouble. Isaiah 61 talks about these rewards more. So let those words motivate you to make it through!

Just this week I let the devil get me down with my grades. I got discouraged about mess ups that cost me a couple letter grades and knew that I worked much harder than what I received and while correcting the problem, my whole attitude took me away from realizing it was nothing but the devil. I was lucky to have a Christian around to help me through that, but we as Christians tend to think we’re alone through our struggles and trouble. If we as Christians can keep our minds on Christ, we’ll never be alone.

It’s within troublesome times when refusing to turn to God’s Word can and will be our downfall. I can admit to falling short often. I tend to make a greater effort then to surround myself with Christ-like people though as a reminder. Never turn away from the Lord and you’ll make it through for sure. He’s our greatest weapon in the fight against the devil and the best guide for the paths and tests He has set for us. We were put here and given a free will. If we refuse to use that will to seek him first, then we can’t blame anyone but ourselves. God helps those who help themselves. So don’t expect anything less. I’ve learned too that it’s when you’ve got nothing left, and you’ve tried it all that God steps in, in your favor. So press on, and be strong family!

Be bless and Stay Blessed

C.J.