When problems occur in your life, do you ever question God and ask “why?” For example, “Why is this happening to me?” or “Why do I have to go through this?” Even the most devoted Christian has asked these questions at some point in his or her walk with God. These moments of doubt have happened to all of us, but rather than worry or fall into the trap of questioning God when challenges come, see troublesome times as opportunities to develop a closer relationship with the Father.
A believer has the answer to every challenge or problem he or she may face in life—the Word of God. It is your source of comfort and strength during the storms of life. However, allowing your emotions and frustrations to override your faith and trust in God creates a sense of panic and gives way to a victim mentality. This will only keep you stuck in your situation.
So how do you change your response to trouble? By making the Word of God your final authority and understanding that God is your only source for strength and victory. Recognize that no problem is greater than His power to overcome it.
Do not let challenges devastate you, whether financial, marital or physical. The Word never guaranteed that after being born again, the rest of your days would be easy and stress-free. The moment you devote your life to serving God, it’s inevitable that trials and tribulation will come. But your relationship with God is the key to conquering them. The enemy will do everything in his power to prevent you from becoming totally dependent on God and trusting in His Word. But Psalm 125:1 says, “They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.”
When you meditate on God’s Word and accept that challenging times will come, the Word will create in you a foundation by which to build your trust in God. This increases your ability to be unmovable by the enemy’s attacks.
Having a positive attitude when confronted with negative situations makes all the difference in the world. Even though this is easier said than done, stay positive and continue communicating with God daily through prayer, praise, worship and the studying of His Word. Don’t question His love for you, but stay focused on His promises.
Your efforts to trust God rather than question Him will go a long way. By demonstrating your faith through continually confessing the Word over your situation and believing with your heart, you will begin to see His power work in your life. Remember that God isn’t a respecter of persons, but He is a respecter of faith (Acts 10:34).
Don’t give in to your problems; God’s Word has prepared you for all the trials and temptations you will face. As you grow in your walk with the Lord, your trust in Him will develop as well. Don’t condemn yourself if at first it seems hard to trust Him. God understands the struggles that believers face but He has also given you His Word, which is the only resource you need to be victorious over any circumstance you face. Use every opportunity to build your faith in God’s love for you and His ability to bring you out. Instead of breaking down, blaming God and asking, “Why?” be confident in Him and know that He is working out every detail of your life.
In the Gospels, both Mary and Zacharias ask questions, ultimately to God, regarding promised human conceptions which fall into the miraculous. Mary’s question apparently pleased God; Zacharias’s obviously did not. One may question God with a believing and honest heart, such as for clarification. Or one may question God’s wisdom, integrity, power, or goodness, that is in an unbelieving way. Life in this world presents many challenges to faith in God’s power, justice, and goodness. Life is a test, and part of that test is whether we lay blame at God’s feet for evil that happens. Another test has to do with whether we defend God on a right or wrong basis. In either case, our belief in what God says is at stake as you note. That challenge to faith can be as the sword that pierced Mary’s soul, as heart-rending as a choice between loving one’s child and loving God, as tempting as the most glorious idol of desire, as fearful as death itself. Denying oneself, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus is merely impossible … but not for God.