This is a tumultuous time in everyone’s life. There is so much going on in the midst of nothing going on, and by that we mean that you aren’t working, aren’t making any money, aren’t receiving unemployment like you should during the pandemic furlough, etc., but you are stuck schooling your children all day every day. You are struggling with numerous adult responsibilities and parenting, and you are probably completely overwhelmed. The uncertainty of everything is weighing you down like an anchor around your neck.
We’ve all been there. Even Christians are faces with some of the most difficult times. Some common and frequent questions a lot of pastors and preachers hear is, “If I’m a Christian, why does it seem like God hates me? Why isn’t my life so much easier? If God loves me, why is my life so hard?”
It would be wonderful if your life completely turned upside down the minute you became a Christian and you found yourself drowning in wealth rather than drowning in debt. It would be fantastic to be comfortable and live a life of ease. It does seem unfair that a lot of Christians have a lot more, but maybe they know something you don’t or practice something you haven’t even tried. There is enough scripture to support the answers to these questions, to be sure.
God Doesn’t Hate You- God LOVES You!
It feels awful at times, but you should know that God loves you. One of the very first biblical passages all Christians are taught as children is John 3:16.
“For God SO loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeith in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This verse reveals so much about the loving heart of the Heavenly Father. First, it’s not that God just loved the world; it’s that he SO loved the world. The word “SO” emphasizes the very depth, breadth and height that God loves everyone of his creatures and all of his children. It means that God loves with an immense measure of love. The removal of this word from other texts negates the level of love God has for everyone.
The next part of the verse imparts two things. One, that God begot (or impregnated) a son by a human woman. The Christian God only did this once so that Jesus could have a fleshly body and be born on this Earth for Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice. Then God sacrificed that which he begot and loved even more than all of his creations; his son Jesus. Parental sacrifice is understood by every parent willing to die to protect a child, but the sacrifice of one to save billions of others was something God was willing to do to save every willing Christian who chose Him.
The last part of the verse tells everyone that if you believe with all your heart, having the ultimate in faith, you will not perish eternally in fire, but have everlasting life. This isn’t just eternal life or immortal life! It is everlasting life, which means that God’s sacrifice and God’s love for you goes way beyond anything else and your belief in Him is rewarded with endless joyous perfect life in Heaven. That’s serious love right there.
God Knows Your Needs
God abides in your heart. He already knows your needs and your troubles. His love is meant to keep you and comfort you.
Romans 5:5 says: “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in your hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
This verse points out that the love God gives all Christians who choose him is connected by the Holy Ghost in the hearts of every Christian. It exists to give you hope and give you something to hang on to. You never need be ashamed of your needs or worry about how you will get along in life because God’s love grants you hope and carries you through these times.
This is a good segue way into another verse in the same passage that answers the question why Christians are troubled and why Christians often suffer rather than live a life of ease.
Romans 5:3 says, “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation working patience;…”
God allows us to work through tribulations, relying on our faith to carry us and our prayer and supplications to him to make us stronger and better Christians. It is not easy, but it isn’t supposed to be either. God wants us to lean on him for everything, especially during troubling times. It makes our faith and our hope stronger knowing that God is in charge and God will bring better times around.
Don’t Forget to Pray and Ask for Things
Christians often wonder why they have to pray and ask for things they need if God already knows our needs. When they are told that prayer is an act of humility and obedience to God, it begins to sink in. God does know your needs, but he wants you to ask in prayer because it is humbling to you and an honor and obeisance to Him. It is also meant to bring you closer to the Father so that your connection to Him is even stronger.
If you are concerned about asking for what you want, just remember this one verse from Matthew 7:7-8:
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”
Ask God in prayer for everything you need and even some things you want. Keep asking and keep seeking the Lord in these difficult times. Keep believing that God loves you and wants good things for you, but He is first looking to establish a loving and faithful relationship with you. Never give up on God and prayer, because God never gives up on you.
If you aren’t sure how to pray today, pray from the heart on bended knee. If you need to, make a list of needs and/or wants. Put it in front of you as you begin to pray. Pray fervently for each item. Then wait on the Lord for Him to bless. Keep praying until you have an answer or God has blessed. Watch for the blessing because it won’t come to you in a way you will expect. Be sure to thank Him when what you need comes your way, as God the Father desires to see your graciousness for His goodness.