They encouraged the followers and begged them to remain faithful. They told them, “We have to suffer a lot before we can get into God's kingdom.”

Acts 14:22 (CEV)

 

Do not blame every problem as a lack of faith or unbelief. The words of Paul and Barnabas remind us that we will face many difficulties and trials as we journey with Christ and seek the kingdom of God.

The Christian life does not offer an escape from life's harsher realities, but rather the promise of God's presence and power to turn our defeats into victories. Whatever the circumstances, remember that God is with us and will never leave or forsake us. Always, God provides us a way out. We must learn to discern the Spirit and listen to what Scriptures says. Even when we do not see the whole picture, we can discern and listen for His voice and follow it.

In a sense, all problems are lies. They have a way of convincing us that God is too small, weak, or unwilling to help us. Remember that God is already ahead of us and knows exactly how to provide for us. Only by trustfully surrendering to Him will we grow to be bigger than our problems. Peter grows out of his fear of dying in a storm and becomes fearless in death. John Mark grows out his reputation as a quitter and becomes a gospel writer. Esther grows out of her need to fit in and becomes a deliverer of her people.

Learn to see beyond your problems and believe God is working all things for your good and His glory.