No one wants to go through hard times. As I write this, I am ministering to a friend in New Jersey who is experiencing trouble and even questioning his faith. It seems his question while not asked specifically is, "How can I know for certain if my faith is sufficient?" Like so many, he's going through some difficulties and asking questions for which there seems to be no solution. He's read the Scripture about having faith of a mustard seed and today wonders if he lacks enough faith. Are his continued difficulties a product of God giving up? Is it an indication that God doesn't hear and isn't answering his prayers?

If we're honest, we'll admit his concerns are no different than our own. Our trouble seems like they're never-ending and even though we've prayed about it and seen some change, we can't escape and feel our problems will never cease. Peter addressed that very concern which tells me this problem is not new or unique in the life of a believer.

While there's little doubt we, as God's people are blessed, many times our blessing comes in the shape of trouble. Why we're surprised by this or reluctant to face it, I just don't know. After all, Jesus told us we'd have trouble in this life and Peter confirmed it when he said we will suffer for awhile, but then be made strong, firm and steadfast as a result. What other reason can there be for trials and tribulation?

Have you considered that trouble is a call to prayer? Look even deeper and God will show you that difficulties are nothing more than a prompting to spend time with God in prayer. After all, if you never had a problem, how would you know God could solve it? And what would be your reason to pray all the time, about everything with every kind of prayer?

1. Pray Through the Word - 365 devotionals on the subject of prayer by James R. Green (Pro 17; 1 Pet 5)
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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