Can there be Life Without Problems and Trials?

As Christians, you should not expect a life without problems. It isn't realistic, and it isn't taught in the Bible. Jesus reminded His followers in John 16:33 about the things He had told them earlier, that in Him, they would have peace. He further mentioned that in the world, there would be tribulation (trouble); but he assured them to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. This clearly explains why Christians often face ridicule, discrimination, insults and mistreatment. The "trouble" for the Christians can also include accidents, illness, job layoffs, broken relationships, financial setbacks, family strife, the death of a loved one and similar problems that unbelievers suffer as well. We will have to face problems in this life. Christ never promised Christians a life without struggles, pain and hardships. Jesus never told His disciples, "If you follow me your life will go smoothly, and you will get everything you want." He never offered His followers a life without challenges.

However, no matter the cause of our problems - whether ourselves (sin), others (crime, cruelty, selfishness) or circumstances (illness, accidents, loss, disaster), Jesus is always there for us. He is the answer to this problem-filled life. That doesn't mean our problems will end, but that He can bring us through everything that happens to us. Psalms 34:19 says, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all." He doesn't spare us or shield us from trouble, but He can deliver us. We may come out through the other side with scars and losses, but we have assurance that we will come out through the other end if we obey Him. Even if a Christian's suffering results in death, he/she will be delivered into the hands of God.

Trials are a Blessing in Disguise

You see, Jesus Christ has rightly informed us that we will have trouble in this world, but it will make us grow (Romans 5:3). He prepared our minds and taught us to get ready for trials because in the end, they bring out the best in us. Just like hot water makes a teabag taste better than cold water, trials bring out the best in our lives too.

It pushes us to do things we wouldn't normally do. God never promised that we would go through life without trouble, but he did say he would save us from all of it (Isaiah 43:2). This means that when the door of trials open against you, the Lord will give you the strength to get back up (Proverbs 24:16).

Think of failures as stepping stones. When you fail at something, you've learned how not to do it. Get back and try something else. Your short-term losses are not a sign of failure. It gives you a reason to keep going and is a blessing in disguise. (Micah 7:8)

Stand firm in the Lord and take your stand.

If we understand that trouble is normal and to be expected (sometimes even helpful for our spiritual growth), we will be prepared to face the difficulties of this life. James 1:2-4 asks us to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of our faith produces patience. It further tells us to allow patience have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." This means that we don't have to like it and we certainly won't enjoy it, but we can count on God's help to always get us through it, if we stay true to Him. A problem-free life is a myth on earth, but a reality in heaven. God’s word in Revelation 21:4 promises that God will wipe away every tear from our eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."