No doubt about it, this life is full of trials and temptations of every kind. Many times, in the face of the seemingly overwhelming problems, we simply give up or give in.
As a Christian, we are given many wonderful promises from God about how we can deal with the problems which we will face day by day. Let us see how!
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33). Keep in mind that God promised to provide for those things which we need. Not for every little thing that we want.
This does not mean that bread is simply going to fall from heaven to feed the Christian but it does mean that, if we do the best we can, God will make sure that we have the things that are needed to survive. What a blessing this is!
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13). We can take comfort from knowing that others have dealt with the same problems that we have dealt with. Many times, we can be comforted by them; "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Also, God has promised that, no matter what the problem, He will give us a way of escape. He doesn't promise that the way will be easy, but it will be there for us. We must be observant enough to find it and strong enough to use it.
God desires us to make all of our needs known to him. The Christian is admonished to "pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Furthermore, God promises to answer those prayers; "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." (1 John 5:14-15).
We must ask ourselves; "Do I believe in prayer?" When a Christian prays, he must believe that God can and will answer that prayer; "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." (James 1:5-7).
We must realize that God's answer may not be the answer we desire. However, His answer will be what is best for us.
Wouldn't you desire to have the comfort that God provides for those who are obedient to His will? If you haven't obeyed the gospel, please do so today. Please see Plan of Salvation.
-- Ralph Price, February 2000 --
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