Answers

Q:

I've wasted most of my life -- drugs, alcohol, jail, pregnant at 17, you name it. But now I've given my life to Jesus and that's all behind me. But I've still got bad health and a police record from my past, so I can't get a decent job. Will God do something about these, or is it asking too much?


A:

No, it’s not asking too much for God to help you with these problems. God loves you, and He is concerned about every detail of your life. The Bible says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22).

Does this mean all our problems vanish if we turn them over to God? I wish I could say “Yes” — but in all honesty, I can’t. Sometimes the problems we’ve created for ourselves stay with us, even when God has forgiven them. Decisions have consequences — and when we make bad decisions, the consequences also are bad. The Bible warns, “A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature… will reap destruction” (Galatians 6:7-8).

Ask God to give you wisdom to deal with your problems. He may take some of them away — but even if He doesn’t, He wants to help you overcome them. If you need more education, for example, ask Him to open that door. In the meantime, be faithful in whatever He gives you.

Most of all, take steps to strengthen your faith — through prayer, reading God’s Word, and fellowship with other believers in a church which is focused on Christ. Don’t get discouraged, but remember Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).