GIF Problems

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”
James 1:2-3

Problems
by Larry Burkett

I have a good friend, an evangelist, who says, “There are only two kinds of Christians in this world: those who have problems and those who lie about it.”

In 1 and 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul laid to rest once and for all the idea that Christians don’t have problems. Some of his best writing was done while sitting in a Roman jail with two guards—one chained to each arm. To Paul it was a golden opportunity to witness to the captive audience.

Some like to think that problems are a result of sin. (Remember the story of Job and his “friends”?) We might experience problems as a result of sin, but all problems are not the result of sin. Think for a moment. Christ had problems in His life and He was without sin. He told his disciples, “If they have persecuted me, how much more will they persecute those who come after me?”

The moment you decide to turn everything over to God, you probably will have more problems than you ever thought existed. Why? Because Satan is not going to give up easily.

God promises that if you will yield your rights to Him, He will do whatever is best in your life to give you maximum fulfillment and spiritual maturity.

You can have joy in the midst of problems if you believe that God hears you. He knows your requests, He knows your needs, and He is listening to you.

“Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

Daily Scripture Reading:
James