Jesus promises we will have troubles:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
So, what do we do about it? We usually can't even predict what the troubles will be. Here are 4 steps on how to get through these troubles:
1. Don't ask God why you have this trouble, but WHAT you should be learning.
"33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33
The what question will send your eyes upward. The why question encourages self-pity and victim mentalities. You are not a victim.
2. Build your relationship with Jesus.
A good relationship takes time and is a process. Accepting Jesus Christ as Savior is just the first step. The relationship with Him is so much more than just a one-time prayer. Great relationships never just happen. They take lots of effort and work.
"10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God-- 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God." John 1:10-13
If you want to go through the door into heaven you gotta know how to find the door -- and to open that door and go through -- that is Jesus. Jesus made the world but it couldn't recognize Him.
"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6
But we have to trust God. We have to believe in Him. Even demons know He exists. That isn't good enough.
"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:7
Jesus is the light.
3. Understand and have the Mind of Christ.
So many try to separate people with labels. Or people label themselves. This all creates divisions and isolates us. This is a great disservice to God. Jesus died for All people.
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Colossians 3:16
Let Christ Dwell in You and You dwell in Christ. Look through His eyes. Have His View. Start with Jesus's view and go from there.
We are called to continue Jesus's mission -- to seek and save the lost.
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12
Jesus was not and is not against people. The war is against satan and his demons.
Let the small things go. They don't matter. The mission must be accomplished. Souls need to be saved.
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8
Satan doesn't want you to know this (the above verse). Jesus can't lose. So stand behind Him. If you don't resist the devil he will draw closer to you.
"For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:40
This is God's will. He wants us all.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." jeremiah 29:11
This verse is the Christian life.
4. Let God be first in your life.
Anything that comes before God in your life is controlling you. If God's not first in your life, He's last.
"38 Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:38-39
"Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 23:37-40
The world is full of distractions. The world is a commercial for Satan. It is his marketplace. Satan is an awesome salesman for all the evil in the world.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17
Every breath you have has value.
Every moment you have has value.
Don't waste your breaths; don't waste your moments.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
The above verse is a A+B+C=D...You gotta trust in God; not lean on your own understanding and submit to him. And then He will make your paths straight.
Pray first. Always pray first.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
If we follow the Light we will never be in darkness. Follow His light.
Stay Strong through Grace.
The only unsinkable ship is the one that Jesus is in.
"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10