Don’t be offended!

Life happens! But don’t be offended! Have you ever dreamt of not having trouble, struggle, pain, fight, and frustration in life? All of us have. Wouldn’t it be nice if you can go through a few days without any of the trials and breathe peacefully? But that’s not the reality we see. If you and I wrote the bible, probably it’ll look like this.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. In him, you say, Yes, and he comes to live in you. Therefore, you have no trail in life forever and more. Amen. – You and I Wishing version

Instead, Jesus warned you many things to come as you follow Him. God promised you to have life abundant, but He never promised that it would be easy. You’ll be hated, mistreated, and betrayed for His name’s sake. Those things are a package deal to follow Jesus. If you say, “Well, I love God. But I don’t feel any of those hard things happening in my life…” If so, you might check your footing. Are you genuinely standing firm with Him, or somewhat compromised with your ideas or the world? Jesus said,

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. – John 15:18-19 NIV

Things to remember when you face troubles in life

1. Jesus said so

You shouldn’t be surprised by them. Jesus told you all the things that might happen as the cost of following Him. They should be expected.

I have told you all these things, so that you should not be offended (taken unawares and falter, or be caused to stumble and fall away). [I told you to keep you from being scandalized and repelled.] – John 16:1 AMPC

2. Jesus has overcome the world!

Every hardship that you are facing in life, you are struggling from the winning side because Jesus has overcome the world!

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.] – John 16:33 AMPC

3. Your struggle is not against flesh and blood

It’s not people in your life that cause trouble in your life. It’s the enemy, the evil force that works in them, behind them, and with them. Your enemy isn’t the people. It’s the devil.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. – Ephesians 6:12 NIV

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