Can Christians Have Problems?

Psalms 34 : 17 - 22, The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. NKJV

It seems that the question used in today’s title is an ongoing curiosity; it is often asked by new converts, who come to faith in Jesus for their salvation. Salvation is given to mankind to keep our souls from entering eternal torment. Unfortunately, it does not keep us from experiencing trouble in this life on earth.

I don’t personally know of any promise in God’s Word that specifically says God will keep us from all trouble, heartache, and suffering. However, I could fill up several pages with verses that teach us that saints had to suffer greatly, just because of their faith in Christ. If we are honest with ourselves and read the Bible as it is written, it will end the discussion that asks, “Do Christians have troubles after receiving Christ into their hearts?”

Even so, since we’re on this subject, let’s take the time to dig a little deeper. The same mindset that says, “I won’t have troubles or problems when I become born again,” can later condemn believers when trouble does invade their lives. If you have experienced this, then rest assured it is the voice of condemnation and not the heart of God. God’s Spirit will NEVER contradict God’s Word. Jesus tells us in John 16 : 33, “In this world, you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world.” If Jesus says we will have tribulation in this world, then you can be certain trouble is inevitable for believers.

Nevertheless, Jesus shows us in the verse from John’s gospel where our focus and curiosity should rest. You see; before you and I came to faith in Christ, we were “on our own,” so to speak. We didn’t turn to God in times of trouble because we didn’t have faith in God. However, now that we have submitted our hearts to Christ, God has promised to be with us no matter what trouble may come our way. Even though we have faith in Christ, we will still have problems; however, God is with us to deliver us from ALL of them.

Let me leave this final thought with you about Moses’ walk of faith. God appeared to Moses while he was tending sheep on the backside of the desert. After the Lord introduced Himself to him, God instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of His people. Nevertheless, when Moses heard what God had planned, he began to struggle with self-doubt and fear. In response to Moses’ doubt and trepidation, God told Moses, “Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.” KJV

God was about to send Moses into the face of trouble, yet all that He told Moses is, “I will be with you.” It didn’t matter how many signs God showed Moses in Exodus 3, there was only one promise that really gave Moses both the strength to face Pharaoh and the trouble that would follow; it was the promise that God was with him. You may have experienced many signs and miracles that built your confidence to move onward in faith despite the troubles ahead, but miracles aren’t enough to convince us to face trouble; we must have the assurance that God is with us before we can be strong and do great exploits for Him.

What trouble are you faced with today? Are you experiencing condemnation because of the trouble? If you are, then place your complete attention on Jesus and know that He is with you. As a result, you will overcome this problem in your life, and it will become a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Emmanuel, God Is With Us,
Pastor Asa Dockery