HELP IN TROUBLED TIMES

One of the challenging aspects of Christian life is the fact that becoming a follower of Jesus does not make us immune to life’s trials and tribulations. We know that God is love, yet even those who have faith in Him still suffer disease, injury, financial hardships, worry, fear, and death just like everyone else. Jesus didn’t sugarcoat the truth, but He did offer hope when He said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Even though God doesn’t always solve our issues for us or fix our frustrations, they do matter to Him. He knows us so intimately that He is aware of how many hairs we have! He understands what we’re going through even when we can’t put it into words, and He has compassion on us when we’re hurting. God doesn’t take away our troubles, but we can still find strength and hope knowing that He is with us and will help us. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

Of course, it’s great to know that God is on our side and working to bring about good through anything that happens to us, but when things are going wrong, people also crave the support and help of others. There is a lot of sadness and suffering around us, and we won’t be able to solve all the problems we encounter; nevertheless, each of us can do our part to make things better for someone who is going through tough times and lighten their load. As St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) noted, “Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours.”

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1 John 4:8 (NIV) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Luke 12:7 (NIV) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Romans 8:26 (NIV) In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.