Issues, Issues, Issues

It seems like every time I turn around, I hear about Christians having "issues". In other words, so many Christians I know are having problems and the problems are getting the best of them. They are not overcoming, but succumbing to them and doing things that don't please God or that would make for a better outcome. I was sharing a sad and grievious story with a friend about a family we know who once had major issues (as most of us have). They got saved and seemed to be doing great for years. Sadly to say, the family has fallen apart and are experiencing some terrible and traumatic situations resulting from poor choices. I knew of problems the family had been having all along, but I assumed that they were working through them. Things seemed to continually go down hill these past few years. As I shared the story, I aknowledged the fact that we all have issues! The difference is, those of us who work through our problems with resolve in the power of the Lord, will overcome them and will bring glory to God. I'm sure that there is yet hope for them, but not without devastating consequences. In Rom. 8:24-28 the Apostle Paul speaks of hope. Hope is when you desire to see something happen that hasn't happened yet. He exhorts us to hope in God and to wait for His help with patience and composure (tranquility). That means we don't take matters into our own hands. That means that we cooperate with the Holy Spirit. With His help, we are assured and know that all things work together for good to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose. The problem lies in the heart. We will all encounter trials and tribulations, but how we handle them determines the outcome. 2 Pet.1:1-10 gives us an indepth look into how we can overcome the corruption (ruin; destruction) that is in the world. Please read this passage and meditate on it. Not just for your own sake, but for the sake of others also. This is a treasure chest of God's gold, and it can be yours for the taking!