This idea comes in a couple of different forms. First, those who reject Christ think problems and tragedies prove God is evil if he does exist. Second, the church perpetuates this to some degree, with many fellowships and pastors either implying or stating how when we come to Jesus, he will fix our marriages, our kids, our careers, and more. 

Following Jesus has absolute benefits, but he never promised his followers a life free from trouble. Instead, he prepared us for the opposition we face for our faith. Since we have a spiritual enemy, our faith brings resistance and battle. 

In John 16:33, Jesus warns his disciples, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Here, Jesus acknowledges the inevitability of trouble and tribulation in our lives. Yet he adds a second part to the promise of trouble—Jesus has overcome the world, including its problems, corruption, and evil. Stick with him, follow him, and we will also overcome. 

Jesus explicitly teaches about the persecution his disciples will encounter. In John 15:20, he states, “Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” The world rejected and crucified Jesus. His followers suffer the same. Yet, this persecution isn’t final. We enjoy blessings from trouble, if we remain faithful, including owning the Kingdom and having great eternal reward (Matthew 5:10-12). 

We are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). The change begins in our thinking, aligning our thoughts with truth. Jesus spoke to reveal the eternal reality, the unseen, to teach us what’s most important and the dangers of lies. If we love others, we will cease saying or participating in expressing the statements listed here. This will make us odd, misfits, and counter-cultural. As Jesus was. At the same time, we will help lead people to the truths which will set us free and bring us life. 

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