Why Christians Face Difficult Circumstances

Jesus is on the throne, now and forever. It seems I’ve been reminded of this continually lately. Life’s circumstances have clouded my vision a bit, but with this simple reminder, I have consistently been brought back to the truth.

Troubles lose their weight when we see and believe this reality deep within our souls. This truth gives us a heavenly perspective on the circumstances we face and allows us the ability to endure trials with confident assurance that our God is in control.

Now, I cannot pretend to know all the reasons why God allows difficulties in our lives, but when confronted with them, I often think about what Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. He said, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know both how to face humble circumstances and how to have abundance. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret, both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Phil. 4:11b-12). Did you catch that? Paul learned how to be content. He learned how to face every circumstance thrown at him. Quite simply, we are not born with a propensity toward contentment, nor do we naturally face trials with joy, but we can learn to do so.

Elsewhere, Paul says, “I rejoice in my sufferings” (Col. 1:24). James, the brother of Jesus, echoed Paul’s sentiments when he said, “My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into diverse temptations, 3 knowing that the trying of your faith develops patience” (James 1:2-3). Trials are not meant to destroy us but are intended to test, discipline, strengthen and purify us.

We know that our God is good and faithful. We know God is sovereign and in control of all things. We know we are loved by God with a love that is far beyond comprehension. And we also know that it would be inconsistent with God’s character for Him to allow difficulty into His children’s lives that He did not intend for good. Our loving Father is not out to hurt us but to mold us into the image of His Son for our good and His glory.

James 1:12 says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tried, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” During certain seasons of life, it can feel as though we’re made to endure one storm after another, but when this happens, we can rest in the knowledge that Jesus, “who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,” is not only with us in our battles but is fighting for us (Heb. 8:1, Matt. 28:20, 2 Chr. 20:17).

Right after Paul wrote about learning how to endure all things well, he said, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). This is the key, my friend. To live in complete and total dependence on Jesus—our Lord, our Savior, our Shepherd, our Counselor, our Prince of Peace, our Intercessor, our Advocate, our High Priest and our everything. May both you and I keep our eyes fixed on Him.

“To You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens” (Ps. 123:1).

“Therefore, since we are encompassed with such a great cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb. 12:1-2).

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who was in every sense tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then come with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:15-16).

“Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. Cast all your care upon Him, because He cares for you. Be sober and watchful, because your adversary the devil walks around as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him firmly in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. But after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus, will restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 5:6-11).

In 2010, Laurie Coombs was called to forgive the man who murdered her father. What happened as a result of that journey is chronicled in her book, Letters from My Father’s Murderer (Kregel, 2015). She blogs at LaurieCoombs.org and is a regular writer for iBelieve.com and Crosswalk.com. Coombs and her husband, Travis, make their home in Nevada along with their two daughters and are in the process of adopting from Ethiopia.

Coombs can also be found on Facebook (lauriecoombs), Twitter (lauriecoombs) and Pinterest (laurieacoombs).