Led Into Difficulty

by Raymund Tamayo

There is this misconception spreading that if you are doing your passion, you are fulfilling your God-given purpose, then everything will work out seamlessly.

If you are doing what you love, what God made you to do, then excellence follows. And because you excel on a certain craft, then the big bucks would also come after. No more pain, disappointments, or sickness.

God's Word is telling us otherwise, though. 

BLESSINGS IN SUFFERINGS

While obedience definitely brings blessings, it is rarely painless to live a life honoring to God. Sometimes, fulfilling our life purpose actually leads us to difficulties and hardships.

But why? Aren't we supposed to blaze through life with Jesus by our side? Blessings are supposed to be good things only, right?

A blessing is anything that makes us grow closer to God. If a painful experience does that successfully, then we can consider that a blessing.

Oh, and don't forget, Jesus was obeying His Father in heaven when the devil came to tempt Him. Jesus was exactly where the Holy Spirit meant for Him to be at that time.

GOD IS WITH US DURING DIFFICULT TIMES

Jesus' temptation happened when He was physically weak and all by Himself. His disciples weren't there to encourage Him. 

But He had full trust on His Father. So He let the Holy Spirit guide and help Him go through all those temptations victoriously. 

WE ARE NEVER ALONE

The same is true with us as Jesus' followers. Even when we are separated from family and friends, God is always with us. 

During those rock bottom moments, the Holy Spirit gives us strength, encouragement, comfort, and all the things we need to go through them. During these moments, our faith is truly tested. 

The devil is aware of this, that is why he tries to get us to question the goodness of God when we experience difficulties, pain, and suffering.

Satan told God, "Skin for skin! A man will give all he has for his own life" (Job 2:4). But when we consistently recognize the Holy Spirit's presence, we know we are never alone.

Final Notes:

Difficulties, pain, and sufferings should not make us doubt God's presence and power in our lives. Rather, they should cause us to trust Him more. 

God loves you. God cares for you. He remains the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.