Myth, 10

~ You Are Experiencing Problems Because of Your Sin ~

Introduction  ~  Many Christians believe and some leaders teach that Christian life is just one happy paradise on earth.  The Bible clearly teaches something else.  Others believe and some leaders teach that troubles in the Christian life are the direct result of sin in that person’s life.  Again the Bible does not teach that. 

Key Passages  ~  “You may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45).  This verse alone clearly refutes both those beliefs outlined in our Introduction! 

But wait, there’s more!  Jesus told His followers:  “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33b).  We can see that life’s problems come to both the believer and the unbeliever.  In fact, Christ assures His followers that they will have problems—but because of their faith they can be calm! 

Consider the Book of Job in the Old Testament which makes it clear that the tremendous suffering that Job experienced was not due to his sin. 

Consider also the New Testament account of the storm rising on the Sea of Galilee and the perplexed disciples—the presence of Christ did not keep the storm away (Matthew 8:23-27).

The Reality  ~  Storms will arise in the life of the Christian even if they are doing exactly what God wants them to do!

Application  ~  Learn to trust your Lord so strongly that when you are perplexed by the difficulties of life you run to His arms instead of away from Him.  “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord, is everlasting strength” (Isaiah 26:3-4).  Where are you today? Are you fully prepared for the difficulties of life?  When difficulties arrive will you maintain the perfect peace which only comes from God?  Is your trust so strong that when you are scared you have peace because you know your heavenly Father will take care of you? 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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