Billy Graham: It's Easier to Face Adversity With God's Help Than Without It

By Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, January 16, 2016

Evangelist Billy Graham speaks during his Crusade at Flushing Meadows Park in New York, June 25, 2005. Graham, 86, has preached the Gospel to more people in a live audience format than anyone in history - over 210 million people in more than 185 countries. His followers believe that the New York Crusade which runs from June 24 to 26 will be his last live appearance. | (Photo: Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

Although Christians might wish for more answers during times of adversity, turning to God is the most hopeful thing one can do, the Rev. Billy Graham advises in an installment of "Answers" on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's website.

Graham addressed the question of what one should do when faced with extreme adversity, writing in the Q&A posted on Friday that although one's struggles might appear insurmountable, they will seem far more manageable with the help of God.

His comments come after an inquirer explains their physical disability and adds: "You'll probably tell me to turn to God, but what good will that do? God isn't going to heal me. I don't think He even cares."

Graham reassures the reader that not only does God understand and care about their struggles, but he also loves them and wants to encourage them every day to get through this tough season in their life.

"Will it be better for you to go through life's hard times with God or without him? Without him you'll be left to your own resources, but are they enough to see you through the struggles you're likely to face? I think you know the answer," Graham writes, adding that a suffering person without God will "end up facing the future 'without hope and without God in the world,' (Ephesians 2:12)."

"By a simple prayer of faith ask Christ to come into your life today. Then thank Him for His love for you, and learn to experience His presence every day. God's promise is for you: 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. ... The Lord is my helper,'" Graham shares.

Graham has addressed the topic of adversity before, writing in 2004 that historians might call the current era "the age of anxiety."

"Anxiety is the natural result when our hopes are centered on anything short of God and His will for us. When we make anything else our goal, frustration and defeat are inevitable," Graham writes.

"Turn your eyes on Christ; worship Him. He will never fall or fail. He gives life balance, security and peace," the Evangelical leader said in the 2004 post.

The BGEA noted in May 2015 that feelings of anxiety and worry move Christians farther away in their relationship with God, and such dark thoughts can become all-consuming without God's help.

"At its best, anxiety distracts us from our relationship with God and the truth that He is 'Lord of Heaven and Earth,' (Matthew 11:25)," the association states on its website.

"At its worst, anxiety is a crippling disease, taking over our minds and plunging our thoughts into darkness," the association continues, adding, "But God wants so much more for us than to walk through life full of fear, worry and anxiety."

The BGEA goes on to cite Philippians Chapter 4 which calls on Christians to give their worries and fears up to God, and in turn, "the peace of God […] will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."