On The Marble
Nowhere in the Bible did God promise us that we will not have problems; in fact, the question is not “if” but “when” we have problems. He said to Israel in Isa. 43: 1-2:
“1But now thus says the LORD that created you, O Jacob, and he that formed you, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame scorch you”.
As far as God is concerned, our problems are not the issue but His presence in our lives. If He is there with us, then each problem encounter becomes opportunity to enjoy His faithfulness and return praises to Him affectionately. Since God lives in me, I must reckon myself through grace that I am more than a match for any problem that comes my way. After all, God scrutinizes all my problems carefully to only allow the ones my faith can handle. Additionally, He always creates escape route for us; our problem today is that we often fail to recognize God’s escape route for us (1 Cor. 10: 13). Meanwhile, the reason we have challenges on earth is not because Adam fell to sin; of course, most of our problems spring from that. However, before Adam fell, God commissioned him among other things to “subdue” the earth! (Gen. 1: 28). To face challenges and solve them came with the package as creatures made in God’s image and after His likeness. Therefore, stop whinnying and stand up to your challenges because you can do what God created you to do. You are a good product!
The earth is our only chance to have problems as children of God. David’s memory of the earth would be sweet indeed; ditto for Joseph, Daniel, and others. What memory of the earth are you going to have different from God’s faithfulness, and how will you experience His faithfulness without having problems? Our problems are great blessings if you look at them for what they truly are from God’s stand point.
No other passage in the Bible underpins this fact better than Psalm 23. It is beautiful because there is no promise we have for living on earth greater than that God will be with us — His presence is the greatest possession that we can own on earth and even in heaven. Heaven is not heaven because of the street of gold but because of His presence. Always recite Psalm 23; reproduced instantly below.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not lack.
2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
6
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
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