Questions to Ask Yourself When Trouble Comes

I woke up early
with my troubles,
and the troubles
of those I love,
so very much,
on my mind.

Again.

My heart hurts. I know God teaches so much more in the hard times than He does in the “easy days”.

But how do we go from knowing that to actually seeing God in the midst of the trial, and experiencing peace, and even purpose, with the hard things that come our way?

We absolutely have to
deliberately (and repeatedly)
tell ourselves truth
in order to walk in freedom
when our lives get hard.

We know Jesus prayed that God would sanctify us in truth and said, “your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

So, here are some questions to help us remember truth before anything is “fixed” —

Questions to ask yourself when trouble comes…

1. Is God still on the throne and in control? (yes)

And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” Rev 7:10

2. Does God hear my prayers? (yes)

“You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry’” Psalm 10:17

3. Is God still capable of miracles regarding anything and including the situation I now face? (yes)

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matt 19:26

4. Does God have the ability to use this hard thing for my good, the good of others, and His glory? (yes)

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Rom 8:28

5. As I seek God through His Word and prayer will He strengthen me through this storm? (yes)

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Rom 15:13
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “Phil 4:6-7
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isa 41:10

6. Can the faith of others grow as they see me cling to Jesus through this? (yes)

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
I Pet 5:9
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

7. Will I be free from this problem, difficulty, trial or tragedy one day? (yes)

“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”” Rev 21:4-5

8. Will it really help me to keep my eyes on Jesus and take one day at a time? (yes)

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matt 6:33-34

9. Should I continue to fellowship with other believers even though sometimes I don’t feel like it because of all I’m facing? (Yes)

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb 10:23-24)

10. Though Satan may have intended this to harm me, though evil people may seem to be winning, though I’m weary in this battle, is God still with me? (Yes)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:1-5)
“And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matt 28:20)

11. If the very worst thing I can imagine happens regarding the situation I am facing, is God still good and is the enemy disarmed when I state this? (Yes)

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Dan 3:16-18)

Because no matter what, “even if the worst thing I can imagine happens” , The Most High God, He reigns!

He has us and all that concerns us. He alone can bring beauty from ashes! His plans shall not be thwarted! His purpose shall prevail! He knows every hair on our heads! He goes before us and will carry us through whatever this life may bring!

And one day, one glorious day, the afflictions of this life will be no more! And our faith shall become sight! CAN YOU IMAGINE?!

So, should we hold on to Him?

Oh friend, where else should we turn??

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