Tribulations

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Joshua 1:9     Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 18:6     In my distress I called upon the Lord: to my God I cried for help.  From his temple, he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.

Psalm 46:1     God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Isaiah 41:10     Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Matthew 6: 24     therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Matthew 11:28     Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Luke 24:38-39     And He said to them, ”Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts?  See my hands and feet, that it is I myself.  Touch me and see.  For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

Romans 8:28     And we know for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 1:3,4      Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ , the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9     We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.

Philippians 4:6-7     Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:13     I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

 

Tribulation  a cause, state, or time of great trouble or suffering; severe trial of misery, deep sorrow.

Without stressing my mind too far, I can think of many times of tribulation for people over the years.  There are wars, and those atrocities man against man, man against woman, punishing for stealing in some countries is to cut off the offending hand; a very ill child born and the agony of the coming loss, yet ‘please do every treatment in case. . .’ losing everything in a fire, earthquake, avalanche or whatever natural disaster—not just material possessions, but a family member, someone racked with cancer, trying to bravely fight and go through treatments, yet be losing the battle and the family grasps for just a few more moments.

Tribulations are trials we all go through at times.  Those are the tough times that are a part of life.  Each person goes through them in their lifetime, and each person’s story is different. Life delivers bad blows at times. 

God is taking us (humans) through different trials sometimes to refine us and make us a better, stronger Christian; sometimes to bring one to their knees so they reach out to Him, humbled and broken without Him.  We all have periods of struggle and testing.  Often our hearts grieve for what someone else is going through, and we can offer encouragement, prayers, but the person/family must walk the path. 

Some know they can turn to their Savior and find comfort.  It may not allay the anger, the hurt with the cause of the trouble, but there is a comfort and strength for those who know Jesus and God and have a relationship.  The trouble is still there, but those who know God know there is strength, direction, and God will help with the details and outcome; for He can make all good.

God cherishes us.  Trouble, pain, and suffering are at times a part of life, but it is less frightening for those who know Jesus.  You know the outcome.  Physical death may not be an outcome we want; but if the person dying knows Jesus, there is a tremendous peace that you will see that person again when you pass from this world to the eternity of heaven.

There is reassurance even when we walk through tough, difficult unexpected times if we walk with Jesus daily.  He does give rest, peace, and strength.   The Bible never says a word regarding not having to deal with pain and loss and issues in life just because you walk with Jesus.  Just the opposite is written.  In fact, He promises there will be times of strife, difficulty, and turmoil.  Christians will certainly be tempted, troubled, and must deal with the dirty plucking of Satan as he tries to uproot our beliefs and strength. Satan loves to poke at us during times of desolation to say ‘See, God doesn’t care.  Look how you’re suffering.   If He loved you. . .’   But remember each and EVERYDAY Satan lies, moment to moment, anything to pull you away and make you doubt your Savior.

 If we have walked long enough or have the confidence in Jesus, we know leaning on Him during our troubles and tribulations will enable us to deal with all developments easier.  The issues are not easier—they still hurt, anger, but we have confidence and knowledge He is walking with us, we are not alone, and most importance, “all things turn out for our good.”  (Romans 8:28)

I know no better way to help with troubles, worries other than prayer.  If I am a long distance away, that is all I can offer, other than encouraging texts.  If I can get to the person, I offer more practical help—assistance with childcare, bringing food, driving others to where they have to be, help with housework or anything practical that is neglected in an emergency, hugs, offering to listen and holding one, praying and asking if the person would also like to pray, and reassure with His promises, such as Romans 8:28.   There are so many ways we can help, but prayer is a KEY help even if the other person is unaware of our prayers.

I think, especially if a new Christian, one is shocked when truly bad things slam them back.  But bad things—life—happens to each of us.  But having Jesus walk with us, helps us get through with more confidence.  We will have questions, doubts, and get concerned if He seems silent for a time, but knowing He will never leave nor forsake us, is a promise that helps and reassures.  God designed us to have other humans who will support and help us get through those hard times.  To have other Christians come along beside you is in itself a special strength.  Those who aren’t Christian still offer a comfort, but there is a reassurance one gets from a praying believer who utters prayers on your and the issue’s account. 

So troubles, tribulations will come to all.  But take heart, He has overcome the world.  Thank You for teaching me, I am not alone.  You are always with me and ‘mybellaviews.’