This is an adaptation from 10 Misconceptions of New Believers (http://christianity.about.com/od/newchristians/a/misconceptions.htm).

Before I placed my belief in Jesus, my marriage was a mess...a hot mess! When I first heard about God, I believed He had the ability to fix my marriage. I had tried many other things, but not God. I knew He was the only one who could fix it - because I messed it up good.

Though my faith in His abilities to save my marriage were sure, I didn't consider the current state of my soul; God's future judgment on sin; or Jesus...I just thought about what I could receive (a healthy marriage).

Additionally, I didn't understand everything that was going on (the 'process' of accepting Jesus into my life) nor did anyone explain it. There was just a lot of excitement about me being saved (and at the time, I didn't know what that meant)...

I'm thankful that my understanding is a lot different today for I know who I serve, why I believe, and what Jesus has done and will do in the future!

Sadly, there are a lot of people (too many) that have turned from the Lord because He didn't solve their problems...

The #1 problem Jesus came to solve was the 'problem' of sin and death...

God gave man (Adam) one command which he ultimately broke - not to eat of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:15-17). Because of his disobedience to God, mankind and the entire earth suffered as the eternal fellowship upon this earth was severed between God and man (Genesis 3). Man could no longer dwell eternally with God or live forever because of sin (Romans 5:12). The judgment of sin and death is upon us.

Pain, destruction, sadness, disease, war, etc. filled our world for thousands of years. The trials, tribulations, and pains you experience today are a result of one man's decision to disobey God (Romans 5:18-19).

People want relief from their suffering. Though what I experience may not be the same as you, we each share a desire to be delivered from the things that plague our lives. What I want you to understand is...even if we place our faith and belief in Jesus, nothing in their physical surroundings may change. We may still have to deal with the same problems and circumstances - they don't just go away. Now, there are things the Lord may remove from you, such as the desire to drink, smoke, etc., but being a Christian is not about solving problems - it's about redemption (from sin) and living a life to please Him, praise Him, and bring glory to His name.

Regardless of whether or not God changes our circumstances, we must still place our faith and trust in God.

• Is He able to save? YES!
• Is He able to deliver? YES!
• Can He do all things? YES!

But the question isn't what hasn't He done for me lately, but considering what He has already done and what He want to do through us. I'm not trying to belittle your situation for it is your reality, but even in the midst of your problems, do you leave God because He won't perform for you?! Or do you continue to seek after Him because He is still good?! Even if He doesn't do another thing for us, He sent His only Son to give His life for our sins to solve the one problem mankind could not solve on its own! Let His name be praised!

See, Jesus is the Son of God and the answer to man's disobedience. He is the fulfillment of God's promise to restore the eternal relationship between God and man (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38; Acts 13:38; Colossians 1:15-20, Colossians 2:13; 1 John 2:1-2).

Jesus' sacrifice will remit the stain of sin from us and allow us to live before God. Be satisfied in Him because of what He has already done, who He is, and that your name is written in the Book of Life.

Be encouraged...