The Three Types of Trouble
Good Morning Friends,
This last week we have been meditating on open and closed doors… softened and hardened hearts. What becomes clear is that not all problems originate from the same source. Some are of our own causing. Others are testing from God to make us better. And then there are those that stem from the evil of the world. We should know the difference, so we can respond appropriately to The Three Types of Trouble.
Scripture: Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin), so as to live for the rest of your earthly life no longer by human desires but by the will of God.
1 Peter 4:1-2 (NRSV)
Some sat in darkness and in gloom, prisoners in misery and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. Their hearts were bowed down with hard labor; they fell down, with no one to help. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress; he brought them out of darkness and gloom, and broke their bonds asunder. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Psalm 107:10-15 (NRSV)
There they strengthened the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith, saying, “It is through many persecutions that we must enter the kingdom of God.”
Acts 14:22 (NRSV)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the victor’s crown, the life God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV)
Praise our God, O peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. For you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Psalm 66:8-12 (NIV)
Message: Ok bad things happen, and a lot has been written on the subject, but still I think it is worth a review because when trouble does come, and it will, we need to know what kind of trouble it is. We need to know that it is part of life and sometimes the trouble is avoidable and sometimes not. The Scriptures speak of three types of “trouble” for the believer: 1) Discipline, judgment, or rebuke from the Lord; 2) tests, trials, persecutions, suffering; and 3) temptations or attacks from Satan. So what kind of trouble are you facing? Is this present trouble the hand of the Lord in direct rebuke, or the promised testing of our faith, or maybe you have been “had” by Satan?
Rebukes: If the Lord is disciplining you, it is because of disobedience. This kind of suffering can be discerned as coming from the Lord when the suffering fits the offense. It can be overcome by responding with a repentant heart. Do not make light of this situation. Hear God say we are His and know it will end with prolonged fear or increased holiness.
Testing of Faith: If you are following Jesus then the World, Satan and God will test you to prove your faith. The only right way to respond is to persevere through the trial. Do not shrink back from the experience but face it moving forward. Hear God say His Spirit is in us and know that this life of suffering will end with death but also glory.
Temptation: If you are being tempted by the Devil it is undoubtedly the result of pride. Any time you are being led astray the proper response is to resist. Do not fall into this trouble for it can be avoided by believers in Jesus. Hear God say the flesh is weak and know it will end with either sin or victory.
Pray we admit our trouble and repent. Pray we experience the calm and cleansing that Jesus brings to the troubled sea of life. Pray that God enter into our trouble and saves us. Pray we understand that suffering is part of the cost of discipleship. Pray we not be afraid if God is testing us. Pray we realize that some things are destined for us to experience. Pray we have a reason to never lose heart. Pray we have reason to rejoice even in our suffering. Pray we realize that everything works together for good for those who love the Lord and are called to be Christians. Pray we know the joy of the Lord not in spite of tribulation, but because of it. Pray we rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
perseverance, character; and character, hope. Pray we avoid temptation and are good stewards of God’s grace.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 