Triumphing Over Trouble

​Currently our world is deeply troubled.
 
The ominous threat and unnerving possibility of widespread world war among nations is hovering over humanity. Peace eludes many. Not just peace from war, but peace in hearts torn by fear and terror that war produces.
 
Like me, you dislike trouble.
 
If someone likes trouble, they are in real TROUBLE!
 
Most of us will agree that life is not trouble free. Trouble is part of living in a fallen world. Troubles can find you and me when we are not even looking for them!
           
Trouble’s troublesome head was first raised when Adam and Eve decided to listen to the devil instead of God (see Genesis 3). Humankind and trouble have been traveling companions throughout human history ever since our first parents were booted out of Paradise for disobedience. But man’s Creator had a remedy for trouble.
 
 Jesus Himself said that we would have tribulation (trouble) in this world.
 
“These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”   John 16:33
 
The Lord was no stranger to trouble. Everywhere He turned, the Son of God’s traveling companion was trouble. Because He and we are not of this world system, we will experience trouble too. All kinds of it. We must remember that the servant is not above His Master. We must also remember that trouble did not master our Master.
 
Jesus mastered trouble. So can you and me. We can be courageous in Christ.
 
 Jesus tells His followers to be of good cheer and courageous when troubled. Why? Because He has overcome the world where trouble comes from. We can overcome trouble because Jesus overcame the world. Triumphing over trouble is a hallmark of people of faith in Christ.
 
One of my favorite scriptures is John 14:27.
 
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, or let it be fearful.” John 14:27
 
The Lord tells us specifically to not be troubled in our hearts. Neither are we to be fearful. The trouble with trouble is that it can lead to a fearful heart. A fearful heart loses courage to walk by faith. When we walk in fear instead of faith, trouble triumphs over us.
 
Life may not be trouble free, but our hearts can be. The Master’s key to triumphing over trouble is God’s peace.
 
 Note it is “My peace” that Jesus gives to us. Not the world’s false peace, but God’s true peace. Peace that overcomes is the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace. Jesus’ peace kept him victorious in times of trouble. AMAZING TRUTH: Jesus gives us His peace. I have God’s peace when I trust in Him! His peace stills our spirit, enabling us to stand firm and steady during trouble’s storms.
 
The God of peace sends Christ’s peace to calm our troubled hearts and give Christians courage to rise up and overcome life’s difficulties.
 
Seven Steps For Triumphing Over Trouble
           
1. Believe in God and His only Son Jesus Christ.
2. Receive the peace of God.
3. Be courageous in the face of trouble.
4. Do not allow fear to take hold in your heart.
5. Turn away from your troubles.
6. Turn to and turn up your faith in Jesus.
7. Walk every day in Christ’s victory over the world.
              
Multitudes of people across the world are troubled by trouble. Some of them live next door or down the street from you. You work with folks who are anxious and fearful concerning world events. Governments are scrambling to contain trouble. Even some professing Christians are not sure what to do.
 
How about you? Are you currently troubled by trouble? Please don’t be.
 
Turn the table on trouble. Trouble is in trouble when God’s children are not troubled by trouble. When trouble knocks on the door of your heart, simply tell it to go away. Tell your troubles to take a hike in Jesus’ mighty name! Stand firm in your faith. Send trouble down the road to trouble you no more.
 
I say again: do not be troubled or be afraid. Jesus’ peace has trouble covered!
 
“Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.”    John 14:1
 
A Word For Your Week: Triumph over trouble through trust in Jesus Christ.