This life is full of problems, and everyone has them in various levels of catastrophe across a vast array of platforms. To begin, I want to emphasize a few things regarding life’s difficulties that you may be aware of, but it won’t hurt to be reminded of, others you may know but not regularly realize, and even things that may not fully understand.
It’s easy to say in general terms that EVERYONE has problems. And trouble seems to be the only guarantee in this life – well, of course death and taxes, but those most would still consider trouble. We all hit walls, run into devastating circumstances, find ourselves stuck in ruts, and experience the pain, difficulty, and frustration of simply being alive.
Problems are a common part of life. They don’t mean we’re being punished or it’s necessarily karma (although some actions have direct and indirect consequences accordingly). The thing I want to highlight is that many troubles are a symptom of a broken world.
EVERYTHING was GOOD in the beginning: all relationships, earthly connections, health, and life. As sin entered the world and things fell apart, problems began. There has been conflict between people, toil in work, pain in creating, death and dissension with God ever since (Gen 3:7-24).
Problems are also one thing that Jesus promises we WILL have. John 16:33 we read Jesus saying, “In this world you will have trouble…” Sweet. Thanks God.
This undoubtedly sounds like discomfort and difficulty is in the formula for living. So, it’s safe to say that we ALL have had problems, have problems, and will have problems as long as we’re breathing. This is a simple universal truth!
But there is another side to this that we must discuss as we get started on this new series. While we’ve established and can agree that EVERYONE has problems, it’s another level of understanding to make the claim that everyone’s problems are ALL the same. I’m not saying that all problems look, sound, or cost the same. I do mean there is a universal feeling that comes from problems that each person can recognize and empathize with.
So, before we go diving off the deep end and solving the world’s biggest problems or maybe just yours, let’s take a moment and come to terms with how each person is playing the same game with the same pains. Although the characters and villains and even packaging have changed from console to console, the concepts and game play remain the same – survive and conquer!
It’s worth noting that in comparing our problems to others we reduce the severity of others’ problems. In doing so, we misjudge attitudes and reactions and also minimize the grace available to give to others in their struggles.
This has become apparent in my recent move to a new world, aka California. The people are different, the houses are different, the view is different, the gas prices are different, but the problems are the same!
Over the next several weeks we’ll tackle some of life’s biggest struggle areas and the basic problems faced by all. Topics will include but are not limited to relationships, finances, mental health, and work.
Hopefully, will speak to you and even meet some of your needs currently, but as we get started, I need to finish the verse we looked at earlier where Jesus promises us problems. He gives that promise within a greater proclamation. “I have told you all these things so that in me you will have PEACE. In this world you WILL have THLIPSIS (literally: being smashed; affliction, tribulation, trouble), but take THARSEO (boldness, courage, and good cheer); I have OVERCOME the WORLD.”
This peace speaks of freedom from turmoil inside oneself and uses language of exemption from war. So, no matter the problem, Jesus has already taken the W. And we can rest in that reality.
Have you felt like there is a war raging inside your mind? Have you experienced the carnage of battling the darkness in your heart?
Jesus has already claimed victory in this world, and he offers to you the same victorious life! Get ready to live it, experience it, and share it with everyone!!!
#PeaceOverProblems
#TroubledTimes
#99Problems
#RestoringWholenessOfLife
Brett
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