As Trouble Increases So Do Miracles

Psalm 34:17

NKJV

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.”

I've discovered an interesting truth over these past few months. The harder we follow after God, the more we commit ourselves to Him and His work, the more opposition comes our way. When confronted with new experiences, new places, and new depths of Christian life, the Devil will batten down the hatches and get to serious business trying to shut us down. We can never be certain exactly what will be thrown at us, but we can be certain it will be trouble in one form or another. The Apostle Peter says that “your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) The way this often plays out is when we get caught up into routine, when we no longer take heed to be alert and sober-minded wherever we are going. As soon as comfort sneaks in and takes over, the door is swung wide open for us to be devoured. Only when we are in tune with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit are we able to detect when we are being led astray into crooked paths. But, let us not think that trouble only comes through crookedness. Surely our own wayward hearts and decisions lead us into trouble. Quite easily we can ignore the Word of God because it's more convenient for us or we would rather have it our way. There is however, that which comes as a result of being a follower of Christ. Whether it be persecution, famine, nakedness, sword, peril, tribulation or trial, it begins to be thrown at us at alarming rates when we get serious with God. Let us not be alarmed however! These things were promised to come to those who followed Jesus. Many times we find this, but a couple which God has spoken to my heart are when Jesus says “in this world you will have trouble. But take heart, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33), as well as “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you.” (1 Peter 4:12) Here we have the very warning, as well as consolation, that we will have trouble, but then we are guaranteed victory. We see the purpose for the trouble, and we see the promise for deliverance out of it once it's purpose has been accomplished. We must learn to trust that God really does work all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. God is building us, strengthening us, refining us, through the fires and troubles the Devil, and even ourselves, throw at us. The Devil is our adversary; he is against us. But if God is for us, who can be against us? When we cry out as ones who are righteous through Christ, He hears, and He delivers!