Are Christians Supposed To Have Problems?

Are Christians supposed to have problems? Are Christians supposed to suffer or should they be exempt from problems? If you have money and all the wealth in the world would you be able to make all your problems go away?
The truth is, as long as we live in a fallen world, we will always have problems. Problems do not discriminate. Life’s challenges can happen to anyone whether rich or poor, young or old. So the true reality is that everybody faces problems.

If you’re not solving your own problems, then you are probably trying to solve somebody else’s problems.

Jesus was perfect and without sin. Yet because He lived in a fallen world, Jesus Himself faced different challenges and problems which He had to deal with.
The great thing about Jesus is that He conquered and overcame every problem that we can imagine.

John 16:33 NKJV
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Even during His ministry, Jesus was not immune to life’s problems and challenges. He was tempted; He was tested; He was accused; at one point, people wanted to throw Him over a cliff; He was betrayed and even in His own hometown and people were offended by His message.
While we are in the world, Jesus does not promise that we won’t have problems. However He does promise that IN Him we will have PEACE in the midst of the problems.

There are false teachings such as the prosperity gospel heresy which teach that Christians should not be facing challenges and problems. The prosperity gospel teaches that if you’re facing hardships / problems then it’s your fault or that you lack faith. Prosperity gospel preachers insinuate that if you are facing challenges in your life, then you might be cursed or that God is simply punishing you. They also insinuate that gaining riches and wealth is the answer to a problem-free life.
Such teaching is false and is far from the truth of God’s word. In John 16:33 Jesus says that in this world we will have tribulation. So becoming a Christian does not make us immune to life’s challenges.

However, when you become a Christian, God will strengthen you and guide you through your circumstances.
Jesus though without sin and being the Son of God faced every possible type of temptation and challenge in life. He did not fail or allow any situation to overcome Him. He remained perfect, holy, and sinless in the midst of tribulation.
Therefore this means that Jesus is qualified to help us and to teach us to overcome any problem that we may face in life. Jesus tells us to be of “GOOD CHEER” because He has “OVERCOME THE WORLD.”

James 1:2-4 says: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Romans 5:3-5 NKJV
And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

If you are facing any type of problems in your life, there might be a reason why God has allowed it. Perhaps the Lord desires to build your faith in Him and your character through that problem.
Having problems do not always mean that you are cursed; or that your life is cursed; or that God is unhappy with you.
However, in a fallen world, God is able to use our problems in order to accomplish His will and His purpose for our life so that He alone is glorified. (Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. – Genesis 50:19-21NKJV) 

Some problems come from people who are hostile to God and the word of God.
Some problems exist from the fact that we live in a sinful world and because people are sinful and disobedient to God.
Some problems come from people who dislike anyone associated with God.
Some problems exist because of our own sin or disobedience to the word of God.
Some problems come from demonic forces and demonic practices such as witchcraft etc.
However, we have God who is greater than our problems and we must put our trust in Him and we should never lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Hebrews 2:18 NKJV
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

In the midst of challenges that we may face, God wants us to rely totally on Him through His Son Jesus. Our peace comes from Jesus and in Him, even though we face the challenges of life, we can still have peace.

Whatever problems you are facing today in your life – turn to Jesus; rest in Jesus; cast all your worries and burdens on Jesus; let the peace of Jesus rule your heart; trust in Jesus completely; let Jesus teach you to overcome your problems and challenges.

Psalm 55:22 NKJV
Cast your burden on the Lord, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.

 

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