Difficulties

Difficulties

Strangely enough, the word “difficulty” does not occur in the Bible!1 And the word “difficult” occurs only a few times. On the other hand, the word “tribulation” occurs several times.

It is very significant that already in the old covenant, before the work of Christ was finished, it could be written, “In all their affliction [tribulation] there was no affliction [tribulation].” Isa. 63:9.

However, how many people have ever experienced or known it like this? It actually means that it was not a difficulty for them. It is the way you react that determines that the exact same thing is felt like a great or small difficulty by some but no difficulty at all by others. Ordinary sinners constantly have many difficulties. Everything that goes against their own will is seen as difficulties for them, one worse than the next. And as long as converted people have not gained victory over conscious sin, they also have many difficulties, particularly when it concerns their mutual relationships; they are always the main difficulties!

The only thing that can put an end to all the sin that makes it difficult for us is a living, personally appropriated faith in all the words of life in the New Testament! For example, really believing in—being fully convinced of—Romans 6:6 and Galatians 2:20. Unfortunately, almost no one has acquired this living, active faith in these exceedingly glorious words! Therefore they are bothered by many unnecessary difficulties. Tribulations are not the same thing as difficulties; they are actually two widely different concepts. This is clearly evident from 2 Corinthians 4:17: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment [short], is working for us . . . .” The fact that it is “light” for us obviously means that it is not difficult. It is worse when it is long-lasting. And seeing that it is both short and light, it is almost a pleasure, simply because it also works an exceeding and eternal weight of godly glory!

This is how it is, continues to be, and how it becomes for everyone who keeps in mind the invisible things and not the visible.

If we really let ourselves be saved according to God’s will, it proceeds as follows: formerly it was heavy and difficult, now it is blessed and light!

Yours, believing in 2 Corinthians 4:17—