It’s not uncommon for a child or a newcomer to the faith to ponder whether the adversities they face are divine retribution for the past sins they have committed. In this article, I aim to provide assurance to those who have a true, living faith in Christ Jesus that such worries are unfounded. Genuine saving faith in Christ is sufficient to dispel such doubts and grant us the confidence to weather life’s trials.

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. — Romans 8:1-2 NET

It’s important to understand this and keep the inspired words of the Holy God within you, because the world is rife with the progeny of the devil, and the machinations of the wicked who act as pawns for Satan, loom large, threatening to assail us in times of adversity.

Remember that in this world, all mortals will endure the vicissitudes of life, and are subject to the capriciousness of this unavoidable fate, regardless of any personal foibles or genuine remorse. Adversity may befall us, not due to any personal wrongdoing, even if one is sincere and remorseful. It is a mere consequence of the inexplicable and enigmatic ways of life that we all must endure.

It is not because you made mistakes, and it is not over something you’re truly repentant (contrite) of; no, it is simply the way life is for us all. Therefore, it is incumbent upon us to remain steadfast in our faith and draw solace from the divine teachings to fortify ourselves against the travails of this life.

… For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. — Matthew 5:45 NLT

Regardless of one’s status, wealth, pride, or humility, mortality is an inescapable reality that we all share, and in the end, death treats everyone equally, reducing us to the same state as all other living beings, animal or otherwise. It is wise for the living to contemplate the inevitability of mortality rather than denying or dismissing it.

For the fate of humans[a] and the fate of animals are the same: As one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath. There is no advantage for humans over animals, for both are fleeting. — Ecclesiastes 3:19 NET

23 One person dies in prosperity, completely comfortable and secure, 24 the picture of good health, vigorous and fit. 25 Another person dies in bitter poverty, never having tasted the good life. 26 But both are buried in the same dust, both eaten by the same maggots. — Job 21:23-26 NLT

It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. — Ecclesiastes 7:2 NIV

We all share this same fate, from the evilest human being to the most righteous.

2 Everyone shares the same fate[a]— the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad,[b] the ceremonially clean and unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. What happens to the good person, also happens to the sinner;[c] what happens to those who make vows, also happens to those who are afraid to make vows. 3 This is the unfortunate fact[d] about everything that happens on earth:[e] the same fate awaits[f] everyone. In addition to this, the hearts of all people[g] are full of evil, and there is folly in their hearts during their lives—then they die.[h] Better to Be Poor but Alive than Rich but Dead 4 But whoever is among[i] the living[j] has hope; a live dog is better than a dead lion. — Ecclesiastes 9:2-4 NET

Ecclesiastes 9:11 reminds us that chance plays a significant role in the lives of all people. Despite their wisdom and expertise, some individuals may suffer from poverty, while others may dedicate years to education without achieving success. Even the strongest and most skilled soldiers can fall to an inexperienced adversary. These unpredictable and seemingly random events highlight the capricious nature of fate. Like an animal that is caught in a net, so you shall be when your time comes.

11 I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. 12 People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. — Ecclesiastes 9:11 NLT

Ecclesiastes 1:3 warns us against placing too much value on earthly possessions, as they are temporary and subject to decay. It is easy to become prideful and put our faith in our own accomplishments and wealth, but we must remember that these things are fleeting and ultimately count for nothing in the eyes of God. Instead, we must shift our focus to building treasures in the eternal realm of heaven, where neither moth nor rust can inflict decay and corruption upon them. Despite our efforts, all that we accumulate on earth is ultimately meaningless and profitless. Let us not be deceived by the false promises of this world, but rather seek the eternal rewards that await us in the hereafter.

19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. — Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

Let us not be like the seed that fell among the thorns, for naked we entered this world and naked we will leave it. We should be content with shelter, food, and clothes.

7 For we have brought nothing into this world and so[a] we cannot take a single thing out either. 8 But if we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that.[b] — 1 Timothy 6:7-8 NET

Beware, for the road traveled by the multitude leads not to salvation, but to utter destruction. Do not be swayed by the flow of the masses towards the broad path that leads to eternal damnation. Rather, be resolute and steadfast, for the way that leads to life is narrow and fraught with hardship, and few indeed will find it.

13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. — Matthew 7:13-14 ESV