"We all have our days where we feel that we cannot survive. Sometimes dreams are shattered, friendships may fall apart, loved ones may hurt us, finances may worry us, sickness may overtake us, and we may even lose people we love. But God will ALWAYS be there to guide us through even the toughest of times. Never lose FAITH. Hold onto HOPE. TRUST in GOD ALWAYS!"
How encouraging is this above quote. Short and to the point. For many, this quote was something that you needed to read and may have provided you with a source of hope to get up, dust the dirt off your knees, lift your chin high, and keep pressing on. But for others, this quote may not be relevant to your present circumstances. When the sun is shining and every aspect of your life is pleasant, we do not recognize our need for God. But suddenly, a storm comes into your life and you are thrown into a dark valley of problems. At this point, you are desperate and feel as if there is no way out. These desperate times lead to desperate prayer. When we are helpless to change our situation, we cry out to our Father who delivers us from our distress. Ultimately, that is the most intelligent decision you can make; to rely on the Lord during your struggles and to faithfully trust that He will direct you through it.
We all question why God allows us to suffer and experience difficult times. My question for you is what have you learned about yourself, your life, other people and God during the positive times. The common answer is "God is good." But truthfully, it is throughout our trials that we learn the most about ourselves, our life, other people and God. Behind each trial we face, God has a purpose. He uses circumstances to develop our character. There are so many benefits as a result from our struggles because it is an opportunity for us to grow and to be a testimony to our peers. Today I would like to discuss three principles that may help you when responding to problems.
Pray About It
When facing tough burdens, it may seem easier to feel helpless and think "Why me?" But it is during these situations that we must remain faithful and consult with God in regards to how we are feeling and ask for His wisdom to understand. Sometimes you may go through an experience that you do not want to speak about with your parents, family, or even your very best friend due to feelings of embarrassment, nervousness, judgment, or you even feel as if no one will understand you. Remember that God always understands you and will never judge you. He understands your emotions and circumstances because God is all-knowing. Hebrews 4:13 states "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" and Hebrews 4:15 says "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet did not sin." These two aforementioned verses clearly affirm that Jesus Christ has both experienced and understands our troubling times. Never feel alone throughout your dark times. Always rely on God and discuss and confess to Him how you are feeling and ask for His guidance. Have trust and be faithful in knowing that He will help you overcome any given problem. Consulting with God through prayer is a way to get things off your chest, ask for help, and feel understood.
Rejoice and Give Thanks
I know what you are thinking. Why would one want to be thankful for a negative circumstance? To be brutally honest, it can be quite difficult to be grateful during tough times. If you are familiar with the life-changing book The Driven Purpose Life by Rick Warren, there is a chapter which reminds us to "rejoice and give thanks" as well. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." In this novel, Rick Warren further expands on the meaning of this verse. He explains how we are to give thanks "in all circumstances" not "for all circumstances." He says that "God doesn't expect you to be thankful for evil, for suffering, or for their painful consequences in the world. Instead, God wants you to thank Him that He will use your problems to fulfill his purposes." Personally, when I experience a challenging test in life, I always remind myself to have a thankful heart in knowing that our God does not withhold good things from those who love Him. I am certain that He always uses my problems as an opportunity for me to grow and gain wisdom.
Do Not Give Up
Within any friendship, marriage, during a sports game, in the workplace, throughout sickness and even on an exam, we have always have moments where you feel as if you cannot endure and continue. In those moments, you think the only resolution is to simply turn away and give up. Hebrews 10:36 encourages us by saying "You need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion." Look at every experience as a learning opportunity. Reflect upon and ask God to give you the will to stay strong and keep pushing on. Seek the lesson you need to learn and how you can grow from it.
I hope and pray that theses three tips will help and inspire you to have a new outlook on your struggles. I recommend that you apply these three principles to your life and allow God to work through you and transform you into an evermore strong and wise human. Remember, when God pushes you to the edge of difficulty trust Him fully because two things can happen, either He'll catch you when you fall or He will teach you how to fly.
