In the biblical context, difficulty often refers to the challenges, trials, and tribulations that individuals face in their spiritual and earthly lives. The Bible addresses the concept of difficulty in various ways, offering guidance, encouragement, and examples of how to navigate life's hardships with faith and perseverance.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament is replete with narratives and teachings that highlight the presence of difficulty in the lives of God's people. One of the earliest examples is found in the account of Job, a man who faced immense suffering and loss. Despite his trials, Job remained steadfast in his faith, ultimately declaring, "Though He slays me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). This account illustrates the belief that faithfulness to God can endure even the most severe difficulties.

The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is another significant example. Their 40-year sojourn in the wilderness was marked by numerous difficulties, including scarcity of food and water, and internal strife. Yet, these challenges were seen as tests of faith and opportunities for growth. Deuteronomy 8:2-3 reflects on this period, stating, "Remember that the LORD your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ's life and teachings provide profound insights into the nature of difficulty. Jesus Himself experienced hardship, culminating in His crucifixion. He taught His followers to expect challenges, saying, "In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This assurance highlights the Christian belief in victory over difficulty through faith in Christ.

The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the theme of difficulty in his epistles. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul speaks of a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent difficulty that he faced. He writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Paul's perspective emphasizes reliance on divine strength rather than personal ability when confronting difficulties.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, difficulty is often viewed as a means by which God refines and strengthens the faith of believers. James 1:2-4 encourages Christians to "consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." This passage suggests that difficulties serve a purpose in the spiritual maturation process.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to respond to difficulties with prayer, trust in God's sovereignty, and a commitment to righteous living. Philippians 4:6-7 advises, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This instruction underscores the importance of maintaining a prayerful attitude and seeking divine peace amidst life's challenges.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of difficulty, it consistently points to faith, perseverance, and divine assistance as the means to overcome. Through the examples of biblical figures and the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, believers are equipped to face life's challenges with hope and resilience.(adv.) With difficulty.

Whether Habit is a Distinct Species of Quality?
... Now the latter," ie those which are adventitious, "are habits and dispositions,
differing in the point of being easily or difficultly lost. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether habit is a distinct.htm

Whether one Habit is Made up of Many Habits?
... due, not to one part being engendered after another, but to the fact that the subject
does not acquire all at once a firm and difficultly changeable disposition ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether one habit is made.htm

The Touchstone of Godly Sincerity
... When he finds that a difficultly has occurred in his daily life, will he without
saving a word breathe his heart into the ear of God? Ah, no! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the touchstone of godly sincerity.htm

A Short Essay Toward the Improvement of Psalmody:
... Where there are Sentences, or whole Psalms, that can very difficultly be accommodated
to our Times, they may be utterly omitted. Such is Psal.150. ...
/.../a short essay toward the improvement of psalmody/a short essay toward the.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... [2895] Now then of this long and difficultly understood Psalm we have at length
by His own aid made an end. "Blessed be God. Amen.". Footnotes: [2684] Lat. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... 23. He wonders that any worthy man should be so difficultly persuaded, to
embrace THIS account of justifying faith (p.222).24. There ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

Difficultly (3 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Difficultly (3 Occurrences). ... 1 Peter 4:18 And if the righteous
is difficultly saved, where shall the impious and the sinner appear? ...
/d/difficultly.htm - 7k

Difficulty (12 Occurrences)

/d/difficulty.htm - 10k

Impious (19 Occurrences)
... DBY YLT). 1 Peter 4:18 And if the righteous is difficultly saved, where
shall the impious and the sinner appear? (DBY RSV). 2 Peter ...
/i/impious.htm - 11k

Difficulties (4 Occurrences)

/d/difficulties.htm - 8k

Difficultly: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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