I have found that one of the most reliable promises in the Bible is, “In this world you will have trouble”. (John 16:33)
Although reliable, this is not the first verse you will find listed in the Bible promise books that are available at most book stores.
We live in a society that only wants to here Good News. So, here is the Good News, Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.”
I know, this is not the good news most people want to hear. Most people want to hear words like, “If you come to Christ all your troubles, difficulties and trials will be wiped away.” “If you just place your faith and trust in Jesus you will be released from all the negatives in your life.” “If you come to Christ you’ll be healthy, wealthy and all will go well with you.”
Jesus knew better than this and so did James,
James 1:2-3
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Today we are told by some well meaning ministers that our faith has failed if we are suffering the troubles of this world. Why is it that the Scriptures tell us a different story? Why is it that the Scriptures tell us trouble will come?
The Scriptures are based in reality. Today’s prosperity movement is based in fantasy. The Scriptures tell us to rejoice, stand firm and allow your faith to grow as you endure the trials, tribulations, testings and trouble that come your way.
The Scriptures tell us to not be troubled because Jesus overcame this world. How did Jesus overcome the world? The Scriptures tell us that it was through death and that death was death upon a cross. The prosperity movement would say that death upon a cross is a defeat. Jesus called it a victory over the world.
The Scriptures teach us much about a patient endurance that builds our faith and character.
Who are you going to trust when the promised trouble comes? The reality written in the Scriptures or the false teachers that sell a fantasy that doesn’t match what is real.
