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So You Think You’ve Got Problems!

Welcome to the real world!

Of all the columns I have written I am sure this one will apply to all of you, for each of us have faced problems in life. Every person faces problems every day and often very difficult problems.

Now there are different words that we could use to express the problems we all face. So let’s look at what Jesus said and even promised.

“These things I have spoken to you, that

in Me you may have peace .

In the world you will have tribulation.

But be of good cheer

I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:33 in the Holy Bible)

I am amazed how shocked many followers of Jesus are to read this verse and many others like it in the Bible. Many people consider problems should not be in a believer’s life.

Jesus promised otherwise.

Jesus said His followers ‘would’ have tribulation and troubles!

Please look with me at the Greek word for this word here translated tribulation.

Strong’s Greek-Hebrew Dictionary

2347 thlipsis (thlip’-sis);

From 2346;

pressure (literally or figuratively):

KJV– afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble.

Jesus said His followers would have ‘pressure’ in this life. The King James Version of the Bible at different times translates the same word as: anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation and trouble.

For those of you who hope to escape the pressures and troubles of this life these words could sound depressing. For those of us following Jesus He is just stating a fact of life. Accept this fact.

I urge you to remember the lives of the truly Godly men and women of the Bible and see the troubles and pressures and persecutions they faced. Every single one of them had a long list of problems they faced or lived with.

I will not go into a long study of this for it would entail the entire Bible! Ha.

Just remember the problems Noah faced, as he and his family were the only righteous people on earth! Remember Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and Joseph! Then look at Moses and Joshua and on to Samuel and all the Judges. Move on to Saul and David and Solomon and the kings and prophets. Now think of Jesus and all the ‘pressure’ He faced. Consider how He lived and faced the persecutions and tribulation and trouble. Then look at His disciples and know of their lives and troubles and imprisonment and deaths. The story goes on and on as we think of Paul and the early church. The same we face in our lives today.

Remember you face an adversary,the Devil and all his demons!

But remember too that Jesus said ‘in Me you may have peace’!

Sure we face problems but we are to face then with a heart of peace and rest.

Then Jesus made a powerful statement to assure us as we go through these problems.

“But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world’.

How thrilling this is. Because of Jesus we can be of good cheer even in the midst of great tribulation! Why? Because Jesus has overcome the world! Jesus is the conqueror! Glory.

And Jesus is with His followers always!

Now consider how this is described in the book of Romans;

But we also glory in tribulations,

Knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;

And perseverance,

Character;

And character,

Hope.

Now hope does not disappoint,

Because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by

the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

(Romans 5:3-5 in the Holy Bible)

Just know that as we go through difficulties and problems in this life that we are to do so with joy and peace and glory knowing that Jesus is with us and that all this is perfecting us in a way that will not disappoint! Wow, how thrilling.

I think I have been the most blessed from this column. It has been refreshing for me. This was like a personal message of the Lord for me. I have been greatly blessed. I trust you have also. My wife who edits my columns has told me that she is printing this one and will be reading it every day, as she needs to be constantly reminded of these truths.

God bless you and may we remain strong and at peace as we go through the problems of life and following Jesus.

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt

Luke 18:1