The Duty of Difficulties - Part Two
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV, emphasis mine)
We all have heard the idiomatic expression, “When the going gets tough the tough get going.” So when you are experiencing tough times with faith, family, friends, or faculty (body and mind), how do you get going? And where and who do you go to? The correct Christian answer to these questions is that we turn to God and His Word. In order to “get going” we must submit ourselves to His Spirit according to Scriptures.
Consider the proclamation of the psalmist:
“In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times he people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:7-8 (KJV)
However, if we are honest, we would acknowledge that we do not navigate well in storms because we don't seek the Savior as much as we should. We search for solace in self and other sources. Unfortunately, these suspend us into more stress and separate us from the strength and solution for which our souls cry. When our hearts are not disciplined in difficulties we detach ourselves from what is true about God. In turn, we take God to court with respect to His character; accusing Him of inconsistency and unfaithfulness. Our deceptive disposition denounces God. Our deluge of difficulties can create a demented perception that causes us to decry Him due to our disconnect from what is true.
The truth is that God should not be on trial. Instead, we are the ones that are on trial. It is in the trial that He witnesses the character and integrity of our faith.
Therefore, I respectfully submit to you as one who has not always been consistent in his faith, in alignment in adversity or traveled true in tribulation that the duty of difficulty is to develop a growing and strong faith in God. We must also discover the futility and the falsehood of faith in our flesh!!
Evidence of difficulties working the will of God effectively in our hearts is seen when we embrace our difficulties and declare the glory of God by regularly rejoicing in Him and our challenges. The Lord’s half-brother James echoed the truth of rejoicing in difficulties.
“My brethren, count it all joy when he fall into divers temptations.” James 1:2 (KJV)
He then proceeds tell us the purpose of the trials:
“Knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience but let patience have her perfect work, that he may be perfect and entire , wanting nothing.” James 1:3-4 (KJV, emphasis mine)
Trials place us in a position to produce and practice perseverance or “steadfastness;” that is the ability to remain under difficulties without giving in (Romans 15:5–6).
So my brothers and sisters, only a believer who has experienced distress can develop steadfastness. Then steadfastness in turn develops character or proof, which ultimately results in hope.
As a final word of encouragement: don't slam the door when difficulties come a-knocking. They are an invitation from the Infinite One to infuse you with faith that flourishes, deepen your intimacy with Him and build your spiritual muscles!
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR