We’ve all had situations where we wonder, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” First, there are no “good” people. Romans 3:23 makes it clear that “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (NIV84). The only “good” in our lives is because of the blood of Jesus that washes us clean.
Secondly, Jesus gave us the answer, “In this world you will have trouble….” (John 16:33b NIV84). Christ told us trouble would come, so we shouldn’t be surprised when it arrives. Thankfully, He didn’t stop there. He continued, “…But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33c NIV84). Through Christ, we have the power to handle any trouble that comes our way, so how should we face our troubles?
Paul recognized that our greatest defense against the troubles of this world is prayer. In his letter to the Philippians, he said, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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” (4:6, 7 NIV84). Notice, he didn’t say “scream and yell at God, demanding His help.” He said pray “with thanksgiving” as you present your requests to God. If anyone knew how hard it is to be thankful in the middle of trouble, it was Paul. He received 39 lashes on 5 separate occasions. He was beaten with rods three times, stoned once, and shipwrecked three times (II Corinthians 11:24, 25). He didn’t even list the number of times that he was imprisoned. That is a lot of “trouble.” Yet, he continued his mission despite the trouble, and he never stopped praising his Lord (verse 31).
Being well-trained in the Jewish religion, I’m sure Paul knew the story of Hezekiah and the battle with the Assyrian army. Assyria had already conquered Israel when its army invaded Judah and threatened Jerusalem. Hezekiah assembled his army and said, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and fight our battles” (II Chronicles 32:7 – 8a NIV84). The apostle, John, said it like this. “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (I John 4:4b NIV84).
Life will have trouble and pain and may appear to spin out of control. Don’t despair. God still reigns, and He not only “sees” His children but also provides for them. Does that mean we will be free from trouble? No, but it does mean that He will be with us every step of the way. Trust Him! Satan may give it his best shot against us, but we win in the end because we have a Savior who has already won the victory. Pray with thanksgiving to the one who walks beside us and be strong and courageous!
II Corinthians 11:16 – 33; II Chronicles 32:1 – 8
Musings from My Sun Porch 
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