I recently encountered a family that at one time attended worship services that told me very soon after I arrived in their home to visit, that they no longer were regular in attendance because they had too many problems. I suppose that many Christians that do visitations in the homes of other Christians have heard this same excuse offered for poor attendance or for no attendance at all. Yet, is this a reasonable position for any Christian, faithful or unfaithful to use? Today perhaps more than in the past there are so many things to distract a person from pursuing a consistent course about any subject that many really think that they are unique so far as their problems are concerned, indeed, they think they are the only people in the church having problems to deal with in life. Actually we all suffer physical sicknesses and other medical and dental ill health at times. Yes, and we all have financial difficulties in our lives if we live very long on the earth. Yes, we all have family difficulties especially with children, relatives and in-laws. Yes, we all have problems with aging and the attendant problems of seeing, hearing, and keeping our balance. Indeed, everyone has problems.
There is sufficient teaching in the New Testament to tell everyone that problems exist in all families. It is not unusual for Christian families to experience difficulties of many kinds in their life. The problem is not that some people do not have any problems, everyone does but the families that deals with their problems and overcomes them are those that are the strength of the congregation.
Let us accept the fact that we will have problems in life and determine to solve them as Christians ought. Let us determine to maintain our faithfulness to God regardless of the problems, whether small or great or of whatever nature.
1 Peter 5:6-9, “6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, 9 whom withstand steadfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.”