Have you had a serious problem and have asked God to rescue you? When the situation was over and the problem resolved, were you wondering where God was in it? We know that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit He hears every one of our prayers. I do not believe God causes problems or sickness. Most is due to our poor decisions, inherited or Satan. As in the case of Job, in the Bible, He allowed Satan to cause havoc. No matter how much we pray, it does not seem He sometimes does anything to change the situation.

Having had massive heart attacks and bypass surgery twice, you pray almost continuously while in pain. First, you are wondering why God is allowing this to happen. Second, you are wondering if you will continue to live. It has been times like these that my faith was stronger than at any other time. Each experience changed my life completely and how I lived the future. God promises He will answer our prayers, He just doesn’t say how.

After having a problem, there have been times something extra unusual or supernatural occurs that happens to me or I see. It is almost like God is saying: “I wanted you to know that I was aware of everything you have just gone through and my Spirit is with you every minute.” Was God getting my attention to pray more, even though I pray every morning and night? At least, it does build one’s faith to know that God is aware of everything.

I have often written, the two things I believe is God’s greatest requirement is that we trust Him and we must obey His ways and commandments. Sometimes it takes pain and problems to teach us faith and get our attention. I am often reminded of the song: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way.”

Proverbs 3:1 – 7 – “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”

God chooses what is best for us. He knows what we need in life. We must trust without question. God says He has a plan for our lives. To serve and submit to Him, I must accept that He has a plan and I must make every effort to following the leading of the Holy Spirit. He promises us His protection and will guide us.

Scripture tells us that love and faithfulness are important. A faithful person believes and trusts God in all things. Our character reveals whether we are truly loving and loyal. God is a better judge than we will ever be. We must trust Him in making choices. Do you always ask God’s help before making major decisions? Have we turned every area of our lives over to God and the Holy Spirit?

What are your priorities and values? God must be a part of everything we do. If we find it hard to submit, trust and obey and believe we don’t need the Creators help, we will probably encounter physical problems. Proverbs 3:8 – “This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.” This is referring to following the path that God has laid out for us to follow. As long as we stay on that narrow path we may have fewer pain and problems.

Two of my favorite verses tells me what spiritual gifts are available: Galatians 5:22 – 23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Think you have problems or are in pain? Next to Jesus the Apostle Paul was one of the greatest Christian examples. I This is what he wrote: 2 Corinthians 11:23 – 29 – “Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”

Maybe there is a reason for the pain and problems we face. God knows best!