Brother Bob Pellien: Why is life so challenging? Why are there heartbreak, depression, and disappointments? Please know, you're not alone during these dark moments in life. God wants to help you. But, do you ask for His help? You're listening, the podcast version of God's Message magazine. And today's topic is “Facing Life's Woes.” 

Brother Bob: Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members or not, people experience problems in life. This fact has led some into the erroneous thinking that since members of the Church Of Christ also encounter problems, then there really is no point in joining or remaining in the Church. While it is true that even Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members are not immune to the problems that plague this present life, it doesn't mean that there is no benefit in joining the Church. The truth is, membership in the Church Of Christ is the key to correctly deal with life's woes. And above all, end them. Through the apostles, God reminds us that we should not consider it strange if we suffer painful trials. Thus, 

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 

[1 Peter 4:12 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: We're reminded as such because man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward (Job 5:7). Thus, troubles in all their myriad forms are a part of life. Hence, we should not be puzzled when they come our way. Instead, the best that we can do is to brace and prepare ourselves for the troubles that we will surely experience. In preparing ourselves for the troubles in life, it is vital that we do not forget God's warning that the world will collapse and never rise again, as cited in Isaiah 24:20. 

Brother Bob: Thus, we should consider in our preparation, the truth, that no matter what man does, this world is irreversibly headed to its destruction. This will take place on the great day of the Lord when neither their silver nor their gold will be able to save them because he will make a sudden end of all who live on the earth (Zephaniah 1:14-15, 18). 

Therefore, man ought to prepare himself not just for the present woes, but above all the sure punishment on the Day of Judgment. No amount of money, no degree of earthly influence, and no bunch of worldly achievements can make one immune from the troubles in this life, and more so from the destruction that awaits this world. 

Brother Bob: Clearly then, it is unwise to just prepare for the troubles in this life brought about by calamities, poverty and violence. For example, neglecting to find a way to be spared from destruction come the end of the world. Through the Bible, God tells us that there is hope. Thus,

The time is coming when they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not be afraid, city of Zion! Do not let your hands hang limp! The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you, as joyful as people at a festival.” The LORD says, “I have ended the threat of doom and taken away your disgrace. 

[Zephaniah 3:16-18 Good News Translation]

Brother Bob: Zion is the last hope for mankind because it is to Zion that God promised victory and a new life. Hence, man must seek and enter Zion. Outside of Zion, there is no hope. Zion symbolically refers to the Church composed of all those registered in heaven and of the redeemed as recorded in Hebrews 12:23, Living Bible.