I think every Christian desires to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” from our Lord on the last day. But I wonder how many of us hear those words today as Law, not Gospel? We can have the desire to stand firm and to be faithful, but in times of tribulation we are unable by our own strength to do so. What makes matters worse is that, after giving in to our weakness, we find ourselves overcome by guilt that we were unable to remain strong in difficult situations. If you have ever experienced this type of soul-struggle, then this article is for you.

Our Lord Jesus said in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Boy, do I wish that in this world we would not have trouble, but that is not the case; that is not reality. I have faced many different trials both in my personal life and my ministry. I wish this could be a testimony of my strength and faith but that would not be true. I have faced fear that has made my body tremble and shake. On 9/11/01, I was serving the CLB church in Staten Island, New York, when my wife and I actually heard the second plane hit the World Trade Center. Throughout that day we waited to hear if our friends were alive or not, while at the same time wondering what would happen to us next. No longer did home feel safe. I could no longer by my strength remain strong. Fear had set in and emotions were taking over. But even in the midst of this overwhelming time of trouble, Jesus remained faithful. He brought the church together that night so we could find peace for our souls. He came to us in our weakest time and assured us that “he has overcome the world.”

You might think that after experiencing Jesus’ power in such a magnificent way I would remain faithful for the rest of my life. I really wish that that was how the story goes. You see, I was hoping that the word “trouble” would be defined in the singular sense, but it is plural, as we all know.

In 2007 I was faced with a personal struggle that I must deal with for the rest of my life. On October 29, 2007 I was hit by a car while on my motorcycle. This placed me in the hospital for six weeks. As a result of all the surgeries I needed, I am now limited in what I can do physically. They had to reconstruct a foot for me while also placing rods in my leg so I can stand. Throughout this process I went through every emotion known to man. From anger with God to rage against the one who hit me. From knowing I must forgive and trust the Lord to fighting and kicking all the way. And when I could finally fight no more, the only faithful one, our Lord Jesus, came to minister to me. When I hear the passage, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” I hang my head in shame because I am not worthy to be called that. But Jesus, knowing our condition, does not leave us in that state of brokenness. The Apostle Paul gives us this word of assurance in Romans 7:21-8:2.

“So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!

“So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

This is good news to all who fall short of the glory of God. Good news to the weak and the unfaithful alike. But there is just one more thing I need to say. I know that I will continue to face trouble in my life just like you, but I also know that a faithful Savior will be with us and that one day when all is said and done he will faithfully come for us.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away’” (Revelation 21:1-4).

Rev. Anthony Karlik is pastor of Faith Lutheran Brethren Church in Briarcliff Manor, NY.