EXPERIENCING TROUBLE Devotion #5 of 6

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." (Psalm 138:7)

THE FAITH-LIFE AND TROUBLE

We have the advantage of an inspired interpretation of trouble--grievous trouble. Because he occupied a high station in the heavenly kingdom, the Apostle Paul experienced an unusual degree of trouble. Everywhere he went, there was disruption and heartache. Hear some of his testimony. "Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as if insane) I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death. I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my countrymen, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among false brethren; I have been in labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. Apart from such external things, there is the daily pressure upon me of concern for all the churches" (2 Cor 11:23- 28). It is difficult to conceive of a more troublesome life. Viewed from a higher vantage, this was Satan attempting to drive Paul from the ministry. Paul felt that his responses to these circumstances qualified him to work for the Lord. In a unique way, these were his credentials. I do not hesitate to tell you, they would not have qualified him to preach or teach most religious institutions -- but that condition is more of a commentary on them than on the Apostle.

Dying to the world order

Earlier, Paul elaborated on the trouble he experienced. He saw it as a sort of counter balance. He had received much from God, and thus he experienced unusual opposition from the flesh. "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh" (2 Cor 4:7-11). The trouble of the man of God came from every quarter. No rest was found as Paul labored for the Lord. "For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within" (2 Cor 7:5). The conclusion should be obvious: Paul was a threat to the kingdom of darkness! He was also being prepared for a marvelous inheritance. He did not consider trouble a source of consternation, but of qualification. Now that certainly casts a different light on things!

Trouble Equips You to Minister

"Who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" (2 Cor 1:4). When faith absorbs the shock of trouble, the comfort of the Holy Spirit is ministered. That comfort uniquely equips you to become an asset to those in difficulty. It is not necessary for you to pass through exactly the same difficulties as they do. From one point of view, all trouble is common. That is why the comfort you receive from Christ is pertinent to other believers that are suffering. What a marvelous way the Lord has chosen to bring an abundance of consolation to suffering ones!

Erroneous doctrines bring trouble to us

It is not fashionable to speak of this today, but we must do so anyway. Doctrines that do not center in Christ are troublesome. They disorient the soul, attack faith, and open the door for unbelief. This is particularly true of teachings that cause people to rest in Law or mere routine. Read the words of the Spirit and determine to carefully examine every doctrine you hear purporting to come from God. " . . . which is really not another; only there are some who are DISTURBING you, and want to DISTORT the gospel of Christ" (Gal 1:7). "Would that those who are TROUBLING you would even mutilate themselves" (Gal 5:12). "For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who AFFLICT you" (2 Thess 1:6). "I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is DISTURBING you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is" (Gal 5:10). Satan seeks to dissuade the people of God with doctrines that divert, philandering philosophy, and schismatic scholarship. The tidal wave of "divers doctrines" that is striking against the people of God is more troubling than many dare to image. It requires a strong faith, persistent diligence, and aggressive warfare. Stand tall in trouble, believer! Stand tall!

-- TOMORROW: ULTIMATE DELIVERANCE FROM TROUBLE --