Alex on #Difficulties

Hey guys! It's so good to be back on the blog!
This week at Varsity, we talked about difficulties. The interesting thing is, difficulties come in all shapes and sizes. At Varsity, we talked about Peter and his imprisonment, but J.C. stressed that we may be facing similar obstacles that just seem smaller. God cares about all of our problems, difficulties and obstacles. Maybe you're concerned about balancing school, a part-time job, friends, D-team and Varsity. Maybe you're moving to a new place and worried about making friends. Maybe you (or other people) have issues with the way you look, the way you dress, the way you act. Maybe you're struggling with unfair or absent parents. The "maybes" can go on forever!

The answer to our difficulties lies with Christ. Just like Peter, who was put in jail even though he wasn't doing anything illegal (he was just preaching the good news of Christ!), we can endure difficulty with Jesus. Why? Because He promised never to "leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5, NIV). He also "causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28, NLT). God knows what is best for us and He has it in mind. He will never leave us. He will never turn around and pretend He doesn't know us. He will never play cruel jokes on us just to be mean. God is working for good behind the scenes of our lives. How amazing is that?

When faced with an obstacle, difficulty or problem... pray. But don't just say: "God, I hate my life." Say: "God, this is what happened today. This is how I feel about it. I know You are concerned for my well-being and I know You love me. I trust You and Your plan in my life with this situation." Yeah, it's hard! But it's how you can realize that God is in control.

Remember this verse when you are facing difficulties: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3, NIV) James is saying that these problems, these trials, only make us stronger. There is hope beyond your present predicament. Ask God to show you.

Alex W / Message Writer