Something goes wrong...something tough happens...the good thing we were expecting doesn’t work out. What then? Do we say, “God abandoned me.” “God didn’t answer my prayer.” “God must not be good.” If these are our responses to trouble, there’s a good chance we are lacking a theology for adversity. 

I can relate to these feelings of confusion and I believe every Christian needs to grapple with this issue and come to a resolution regarding facing adversity. The sooner we do this in our Christian walks the better! 

God never promised a trouble-free life. In fact Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Because God is so masterful at turning every situation into good, we can mistakenly assume he initiated the circumstances. But remember, God is good. It’s the devil that’s bad. If something bad happens, somehow the devil is connected. God doesn’t sin or cause people to sin. We experience evil things as a result of living in a world under the influence of sin and the painful consequences sin causes. Remember Jesus explained, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. We’ve got to have it straight where it’s coming from. 

I recently heard John Arnott talk on this topic and was moved by his perspective: Have you noticed how every Bible character had trouble? We often admire the anointing of these heroes of faith, but forget what they went through to get there. They overcame and if we are to be overcomers, we’ll have to overcome some things. As long as our faith remains and we keep pressing in and don’t give up, everything will turn out alright. God is the great reverser when we keep pressing in. 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them all.” Psalm 34:19

Life is full of setbacks and challenges so when something goes wrong we must hang on, be steady, and trust even when it doesn’t make sense. The devil is hoping you’ll cave and agree with him, not The Comforter

God allows a lot of things. He allows free will. One day He will intervene and say, “ENOUGH”! Meanwhile, don’t blame him for what the enemy did through people. Instead respond to adversity with faith in a good God who will see you through, love you, comfort you and heal you. Bless you Church!