The World as a Place of Trouble

From the very beginning, after the fall of man, God revealed that the world would become a place of difficulty, labor, and trial. Genesis 3:17-19 shows the direct consequence of Adam's disobedience:

“Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.”

Here, God declares that the fall has introduced hardship into human existence. The curse on the ground, the thorns and thistles, and the toil of survival signify a world now marked by trouble and struggle.

The Nature of Trials and God's Purpose

God, in His wisdom, allows troubles and trials not as acts of cruelty but as means to teach mankind their dependence on Him. These struggles are reminders of humanity’s need for God’s peace and guidance.

• Deuteronomy 8:2-3:

"Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord."

In the wilderness, God used trials to show Israel that obedience and reliance on His Word were the keys to life.

• Psalm 34:19:

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."

Troubles are not an indication of abandonment by God but an opportunity to experience His deliverance.

Christ as the Source of True Peace

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ declares Himself the ultimate answer to the troubles of the world.

• John 16:33:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus acknowledges the inevitability of trouble in the world but promises peace to those who abide in Him. His victory over sin and death provides a foundation for hope and strength amid trials.

• Matthew 11:28-30:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Here, Jesus extends an invitation to those who are weary of the world’s struggles, offering them rest in Him.

God's Deliverance in Trials

Throughout Scripture, God demonstrates His power to deliver His people from trials when they trust in Him:

• Psalm 91:14-15:

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him."

God promises His presence and deliverance to those who call on Him in love and faith.

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9:

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."

Paul testifies that even in the most difficult circumstances, God sustains and preserves His people.

• Isaiah 43:2:

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."

God assures His people of His presence and protection in the midst of trials.

Peace in Obedience and Submission to God

The troubles of the world serve to teach humanity that only through obedience and submission to God’s Word can true peace be found. Jesus Christ, as the fulfillment of God’s plan, offers peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Jacob: A Lesson in Struggle and Transformation

The story of Jacob, later named Israel, serves as a profound example of the transformative power of struggle in our walk with God. In Genesis 32:28, after wrestling with God through the night, the angel declared to Jacob:

"Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome."

Jacob’s wrestling was both physical and symbolic. It represented his deep internal conflict, his persistence, and his desire to receive God's blessing. This struggle led to a transformation—a new name and a new identity in alignment with God’s purpose. Similarly, we are called to wrestle with ourselves, the pressures of the world, and even spiritual challenges to submit fully to God’s Word.

• Struggling to Overcome Ourselves: Just as Jacob had to confront his own nature of deceit and self-reliance, we too must confront our sinful tendencies. The Apostle Paul acknowledges this ongoing internal struggle in Romans 7:15-25, where he describes the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, concluding:

"Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

• Struggling with Others: Jacob’s life also involved conflicts with others, particularly Esau and Laban. These struggles, though difficult, refined his character and brought him closer to reliance on God. For us, struggles with others—whether opposition, persecution, or misunderstanding—are opportunities to live out the principles of God’s Word and grow in grace.

• Changed by the Struggle: Just as Jacob was forever changed—both in name and physical state (Genesis 32:31)—we too are shaped through perseverance in our struggles. God uses these trials to mold us into the image of His Son, as Paul reminds us in Romans 8:29.

Examples of Endurance from Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," provides numerous examples of individuals who endured struggles, submitted to God, and were commended for their faith:

• Noah (Hebrews 11:7): Noah faced ridicule from men as he built the ark in obedience to God. Despite the scorn, he endured, becoming an heir of righteousness.

• Abraham (Hebrews 11:8-10, 17-19): Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland, enduring the uncertainty of living as a foreigner. Later, he demonstrated ultimate submission by being willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting in God’s promise.

• Moses (Hebrews 11:24-27): Moses chose to be mistreated with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He endured opposition from Pharaoh and the Israelites but persevered because he saw "Him who is invisible."

• Others Who Suffered and Overcame (Hebrews 11:32-40): The chapter concludes with a list of individuals who faced immense trials, including Gideon, David, and the prophets. Many were tortured, imprisoned, or killed but endured because of their faith in God’s promises.

These examples underscore that struggle and submission to God’s Word are pathways to commendation by Him. They endured because they trusted in God’s faithfulness and sought a better resurrection.

Conclusion: Peace Through Struggle and Submission

The struggles of life—whether against our sinful nature, the challenges posed by others, or trials that test our faith—are not without purpose. Jacob’s transformation into Israel shows that through wrestling with God and submitting to His will, we are changed into what He desires us to be. The faithful in Hebrews 11 remind us that enduring these struggles in faith brings God’s commendation and peace.

As Jesus assures us in John 16:33:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Christ’s victory empowers us to face life’s struggles with confidence, knowing that in Him we have peace. As we persevere, like Jacob, we too will receive a new name, a new identity, and eternal rewards in God’s kingdom (Revelation 2:17). Let us embrace the struggle, submit to His Word, and trust in His transforming power to make us into vessels for His glory.