The Holy Spirit: Helper and Comforter in Times of Trouble

A few years ago, a friend of mine lost her firstborn child after a sudden illness. Four years later, her husband died in an accident. Seeing how my friend was truly crushed at that time, I could only pray that God would strengthen her.

Over time, her circumstances kept changing. I praise God after seeing what my friend's life is like now. She has raised her sons and daughters well, and they have grown into happy children. I have also become even more convinced of the work of the Holy Spirit, who helps and comforts believers, just as Jesus:

said, "... but the Comforter, namely the Holy Spirit, who will be sent by the Father in My name, He will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." - John 14:26

 

What do we need to remember when we are battered by problems?

The life of a Christian is not free from problems and struggles. When hardship comes, there are three things we need to remember.

1. Every problem has an expiration date

In difficult situations, we often hope this is only a dream, and that tomorrow when we wake up, everything will be fine. Actually, there is no need to imagine that; every problem will indeed come to an end. It is just that how we respond to it will determine our position after the storm has passed. Will we still be standing firm, or be swept away and rolled into the vortex?

If a Christian realizes God's presence in daily life, there is no room for despair. He will not choose shortcuts, but will faithfully follow the process, because he knows there is a noble purpose of God behind that problem . Indeed, for humans this is not easy, but it is precisely in that process that the power of God is revealed.

"... so that it may be evident that this surpassing power is from God and not from us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7

If you are in a heavy struggle, remember that God is with you. God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, is ready to help you. In John 14:16 it is said, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever."

Just like my friend who made it through those dark years, we too will surely be able to get through the hard seasons of life. Nothing in this world lasts forever; problems do not either. Rather than being tormented by prolonged sorrow, give the Holy Spirit room to work and restore you.

2. Every problem has a solution

A wise saying goes, a problem is created as a package deal with its solution. What makes a problem become complicated is when we see it through our own lenses. We forget that our range of vision as humans is very limited. We act rashly panic, then forget to "borrow" the glasses of God so that we can see farther, beyond our problem .

The apostle Paul testified in Philippians 4:13, "I can endure all things through Him who gives me strength." Countless hardships were experienced by Paul. Yet, instead of despairing and collapsing, his zeal to preach the Gospel actually rose even higher. This was because Paul chose to focus on God rather than on situations and conditions that were unfavorable.

When we despair, remember this: how much help from God have we received and felt throughout our lives? Have we gained anything good by being stubborn and relying on ourselves? Let us leave behind hardheadedness and not repeat the same mistakes.

The solution is actually near us, but without God, we are often unable to see it and draw it out. Rather than relying on your own strength, ask for wisdom from God so that you can find the solution to your problem.

3. The Holy Spirit will help and comfort

Being a disciple of Jesus does not mean we will always be comfortable; in fact, it is the opposite, because we often face things that do not meet our expectations, since the life of a Christian tends to go against the current of the world.

Lord Jesus knows that His people sometimes get caught in the whirlpool of problems. That is why He sent the Holy Spirit: to help and comfort us when hardship strikes. God cares so deeply that He gives the Holy Spirit to be with us, while He prepares a place for us in heaven.

"... so that no one would be shaken in faith by these afflictions. You yourselves know that we are appointed for this." - 1 Thessalonians 3:3

Besides understanding that all problems will expire and come packaged with their solution, being aware of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives will be deeply relieving. May these three things open our understanding to God's presence so that we are ready to face every challenge of life.

So, have youprayed and asked for the guidance of the Holy Spirit today? - Related Articles:

• "Lord, I Have a Big Problem!" - When Despair Strikes
• Stay Calm, Stay Cool: Staying Calm in the Midst of Problems
• Solutions for Overcoming Stress Caused by Family Financial Problems
• Moving Mountains: When Problems Seem Too Big
• HAVE YOU CHOSEN THE RIGHT WAY TO LIVE?

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