For Christians who have put their faith in God, dealing with the inevitable troubles that can come in life can be difficult. Whether it’s struggling in a difficult economy, overcoming obstacles at the workplace or keeping a marriage together, many things can cause turmoil and strife.
 
During difficult times, it can be easy to cry out to the Lord and ask, “Why is this happening to me?” However, being a Christian is not about expecting life to be easy or expecting things to come your way because of your faith. Having faith in the Lord is about intention, rather than the deed.
 
Some people argue that, because they attend church regularly every Sunday, they should reap the rewards of a good life. However, the intention in praising the Lord should be about surrendering yourself to His goodness, rather than expecting rewards to come your way. The intent in going to church should be to be of service to Him and to praise Him, rather than to get credit for attendance.
 
Life is filled with trials and tribulations. Being a Christian is about how to get through those troubling times, while still holding onto your faith.
 
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil ,to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. —Jeremiah 29:11-12, KJV
 
There will undoubtedly be trials and struggles in your life but the alternative to turning to God to ask why those troubles exist is to turn to the Lord and surrender to His goodness.
 
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. —Romans 8:18, KJV
 
Do not falter in your love for Him. Maintain your faith through good times and bad. While it can be easy to maintain your faith when things are going your way, the true test is being able to maintain your faith in those difficult times. Live your life in the same wholesome manner and hold onto the beliefs of your Christian faith.
 
Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporary; but the things which are not seen are eternal. —2 Corinthians 4:14-18, KJV
 
It can be easy to get lost in your day-to-day life and focus on your external struggles. In this overly materialistic world, many of those struggles have to do with getting that better paying job or keeping up with the Joneses. However, these external issues are fleeting and temporary while your faith in God should be eternal, regardless of what you’re going through on Earth.
 
Instead of questioning the inevitable struggles that can come in life, trust in your faith and understand that God has given you the courage to get through anything that may come your way.