Last week I received an e-mail from a reader with the question: "Benescke, is it normal for me as a Christian to go through difficult times? Sometimes it seems like life is much easier for other believers. Am I doing something wrong?”

 

The truth is this: Life is hard. We live in a broken world. Is it God who makes bad things happen? NO. He is a good God. However, we have an enemy, Satan, who is out to steal, slaughter and destroy. “Why?” you might ask.

 

At one stage Satan was a prominent angel in heaven. He was close to God. Satan, however, began to think that he was more important than God. His pride led to his downfall and he was cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14, Luke 10:18).

 

God then created humans to have a relationship with us. This must have filled Satan with tremendous jealousy because he knows that he will never be able to be close to God ever again. Precisely for this reason, he daily walks around like a roaring lion looking for ways to hurt, destroy and devour people (1 Peter 5:8-9).

 

So, is it "normal" for life to be hard from time to time? Yes. Jesus prepared us for this. In John 16:33 he says: "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.” In Luke 10:19 he reminds us: "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” (NIV)

 

Sin and sorrow were never part of God's original plan for us. When it did happen, he loved us enough to not turn his back on us, but to give us his only Son. Jesus' death on the cross freed us from the grip of sin and gave us the authority to rule over Satan. With Jesus' ascension, God went one step further and gave us the gift of his Holy Spirit as Comforter and Helper. Now we can hear God’s voice and experience his presence daily.

 

May we daily find our peace in Jesus amid challenging times, knowing that he already had the victory and has given us the authority to live without fear. God bless.

 

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit. Please fill me anew with your Spirit today and help me to hear your voice clearly. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

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