“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 16:33)
Life is not about avoiding problems! It’s making sure you have the right ones in front of you. There are two types of problems in life: ones from sin and ones from Jesus. You need to deal with the problems created by your sin and then say yes to problems caused by following Jesus to the Promised Land. Just like the Joshua and the Israelites, you don’t get into the Promised Land without facing giants.
Your sinful nature and orphan attitudes always want to avoid challenges and problems that Jesus wants you to work through in order to get to the Promised Land. So, when Jesus leads you into a valley and you see it, you have to have a little talk with yourself:
Self, I know you don’t want to go there because you are afraid that we won’t make it. But Jesus is leading us there so we can overcome. Come on, self, we’re going. Let’s just stay Jesus-centered and He will take care of us.
Don’t live life to avoid problems and teach others to do the same. Don’t be afraid of the problems that come along with obeying God’s Word and believing for the Promised Land. Live life to have the right problems and other people will see you as the right person to trust when they face problems.