Wouldn’t it be nice if when we got saved all of our issues went away? Wouldn’t it be nice if we had an insurance policy with the Lord that granted us immunity from all problems or difficulties of life? In fact, it may seem as though you are experiencing more challenges than before you accepted Christ. That may be true. Hasn’t the enemy spoken to you (after he told you several times that you were not saved) and stated that things were better before you gave your life to Jesus Christ. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit then reminded you (through a prayer, song, testimony, message or other medium) just how bad your life was when you were in sin. Might I remind you of the scripture that states, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but God will deliver us out of them all” (Psalms 34:19).
You might be surprised to know that I thank God daily for the many telephone calls, emails and those who drop by the office scheduled or unannounced. There are even others whom the Lord just places on my heart or reveals to me the challenges they are experiencing. I am thankful for several reasons:
- If people never had problems, they would not need a shepherd – and I am grateful that God has entrusted me with His people to care for and serve..
- If people never had problems, we would have a dead and dry church because praising God for victory over circumstances and issues is a great motivator for worship.
- If I never had any problems, I would not have any experiences to draw from, and I would not have any anointing to apply in ministry.
This is why no matter what problem you have – no matter how large, small, difficult, simple, devastating or trivial – I don’t run from them or cringe. I have learned a key to success in handling all of these circumstances: I recommend Jesus.
The account in John 2:1-11 gives the account of Jesus’ first public miracle. Note the circumstances:
- The mother of Jesus recognized there was a problem
- She had a relationship with Jesus
- She had confidence that He could fix the problem
- She recommended Jesus
- The servants followed Jesus’ instructions
- They had to do something – fill up 20 to 30 gallon tanks
Therefore my friends – no matter what your challenges or circumstances are: I recommend Jesus.
- Trouble in your home – Jesus
- Trouble with your children – Jesus
- Trouble in your finances – Jesus
- Trouble in your marriage – Jesus
- Trouble with your health – Jesus
The Bible tells us that we have in Jesus a great High Priest. Unlike other high priests, He can be touched with our infirmities.
Hebrews 4:15 says: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (KJV). This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin (NLT).
I Corinthians 10:13 says: “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” (KJV). The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure (NLT).
You may ask, why do I have these problems? Why do I have to suffer? The Lord has given me an answer I would like you to consider. The Lord showed me that many of us have made the conscience decision to give our lives to Jesus – we are saved. Unfortunately, too many of us have not taken the next step. We have not entered into a relationship with our Savior. We live this Christian life in a reactionary mode – not proactive.
I heard a commercial this morning that promoted a roofing company. The announcer stated, “…the best time to fix your roof is when the sun is shining.” I say to you, the best time to prepare for trouble is when you are receiving a blessing and everything is going great. However, many of us find ourselves trying to fix the roof when it is thundering, lightening and there is a torrential downpour. When it’s raining, the tools slip out of your hand, the ladder is not secure, your patience is short, and feel under pressure because you want the roof fixed RIGHT NOW!
The same is true of our relationship with Christ. Too many only think to fast, pray or come to the altar when something is going wrong – that is not relationship. We have made the first step in accepting the Lord, but He is waiting for us to commit to Him. Furthermore, He uses trials and tests to drive us closer to Him. Just ask Brother Jonah, Bother Peter, the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, Mary Magdalene, King David and the list goes on. I can testify that trials and challenges in my life have drawn me closer to God.
Think of it this way: imagine if after marrying my wife, we decided to live in two separate locations and not be connected physically or emotionally. What type of relationship could we ever hope to sustain? Thankfully, this is not the case. Sometimes I call my wife just to hear her voice. Sometimes I grab and hold her just because we’re in the same room. We enjoy laughing together, eating together and going for walks together. We share ideas and dreams together. When something or someone comes along to challenge our relationship – we have something to fall back on. We should be the same way with God. When trouble comes our way, if we have a relationship with Him, we’ll already be prepared. And that is why, I recommend Jesus.
I bless you in the name of the Lord!