Hearts, Troubles and Choices

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.”

I somehow missed the memo in high school telling me the hardest multiple choice questions would come after I graduated! The choices we have to make seem to get more difficult with time. They certainly have greater consequences.

Whatever your troubles look like right now, in John 14:1, Jesus says you don’t have to let them trouble you. ” Do not let your heart be troubled…” Troubles don’t have to trouble us. A situation may be difficult for you and I, but not for Jesus. He is Lord over all, even the trials. Whether they were allowed by Sovereignty, or created by our own actions, He has a purpose that can achieve a greater good. Experiencing the greater good in our lives even through tough circumstances comes by way of choosing to place them and our hearts under Christ’s Lordship.

The fact of the matter is that in this life we will have troubles. No choice there. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!”  The only options we have concerning difficulties is in what we do with them.

You might remember that multiple choice questions usually have two answers that are easy to eliminate – it’s very apparent they are not correct. That leaves you with two to choose between. So, according to John 16:33, the two choices you have: In the world – trouble. In Jesus – peace. Your choice.  The world’s logic in dealing with “issues” often creates more issues. The Lord’s way of dealing with difficulty is peace that passes understanding. His peace gives us the ability to walk through and overcome the troubles we face in life. We even end up being better for it.

No matter what circumstance you’re in – chose to trust Jesus. Troubles in life are like a sharp knife – whoever has it in their hand determines how things turn out. A sharp knife in a thief’s hand is scary and dangerous. A sharp knife in a doctor’s hand brings healing and life. Put those troubles in the hands of Christ Jesus, and see what He does with them.

Let me know if I can pray you through some troubles.

Loving you and Jesus,

Lorna