Whether we’re struggling to make it to the end of the month, a friend betrays our trust, or a family member gets hurt, we’re never short of problems. When this happens repeatedly, it can be difficult to maintain hope.
We may notice that we turn inward when we face these feelings. Due to the fact that we have been dismissed in the past due to our personal worries and concerns, we reach a point where we stop sharing our thoughts and feelings.
If you find yourself in a place like this, know that you are not alone. I completely identify with you, and so does God. Whenever we get into this hopeless mentality, we need to remember what God says in the Bible. Although these reminders don’t alleviate all of our worries and fears, they can help us tremendously.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
The apostle Paul shares with us in this passage that we do not need to give up. In due time we will reap a harvest. When we try to follow Jesus, our lives are going to be much more difficult. Those who live according to the sinful flesh will not have as many difficulties in life because they are doing exactly what the sinful flesh wants.
The constant struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is documented by Paul: “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with one another, therefore you should not do what you will. But if the Spirit leads you, you are not under the law” (Galatians 5:17-18).
Satan wants to keep people from being productive for the Lord. It will create obstacles, problems and troubles for believers who truly follow the Lord. We can fight against him by putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
If you are going through a difficult time right now, know that it is not because of God. He doesn’t bring this difficult time on you. Either Satan is the cause, the effects of living in a sinful world, or sinful human nature. God is never the one who causes the problems in our lives. Knowing this can help us change our perspectives and give us peace that God is on our side (Romans 8:31).
Rather than giving up, we need to challenge ourselves to continue. The road ahead will be difficult, but the challenge will be worth it. Allow God to help you climb this mountain and overcome it by His grace. Life could become more difficult; however, rest in the truth that you belong to the Savior. Everything will work out in the end.
“I can do all this thanks to him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
When I hit rock bottom, Philippians 4:13 often comes to mind. Although this Bible passage does not refer to being the best at a sport (as is often interpreted), it means that we can do all things through Christ, such as facing troubles, trials, and pain. We can be content with our discontent because the Lord is with us. He can give us the strength to face any situation with hope and peace (Psalm 28:7).
When we reach the end of the road, we must cling to the strength of Jesus. Thanks to the strength of Jesus, we can continue to move forward. Even though the days seem dark, we can find rest in the comfort and strength of the Lord. Jesus will help us and surround us with his support. This will take the form of prayer, Bible reading, encouragement from friends and family, and immersion in the beauty of His creation.
“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26).
When we look at our own situation, we can quickly become discouraged. I am someone who suffers from a chronic illness, which means that my health will gradually deteriorate as I age. However, I can have faith in God because my eternity is found in Him. My life may be full of pain, but my eternity will be filled with glory – and so will yours.
Inhale, exhale. Everything is possible with God. Let this truth cover your heart with comfort today. Yes, you may still have difficulties, but you will have new hope for life. You can offer your heart and your voice to praise the Lord.
We never need to doubt Him. Paul tells us, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
“But you, take courage! Do not let your hands weaken, for your work will be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).
It’s easy to become unhappy and hopeless about life when everything is going wrong. In times like these we must think 2 Chronicles 15:7. All our hard work will be rewarded in due time. In this present life we may not reap these rewards, but we are accumulating crowns in Heaven (1 Corinthians 9:24-25).
It delights God to see us doing good, and we must continue to follow Him, even if no one around us follows Him. It is not pleasing to God if we turn away from Him and walk in the path of sin. Temptation will come at different times, but we must remain strong in faith. Ask the Lord to help you when you are weak. When we are weak, He is strong (2 Corinthians 2:9-11).
5. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Although Paul spoke these words to the Church in Rome, they still apply to us today. Yes, times may be difficult right now, but God can use even terrible things to accomplish His purposes. He does not cause these terrible things, but he can bring good out of them.
God has given everyone free will; however, unfortunately many people use it for malicious purposes. We don’t need to blame God for the bad things in our lives because it’s not His fault. It is impossible to control everything that happens in our lives; however, we can trust God for the outcome. He will transform our struggles into something powerful. Although it may be hard to believe at times, God can use even the darkest things we have experienced for His glory.
Never doubt his ability to bring light out of darkness (2 Corinthians 4:6). He can help us through any situation and give us the strength we need to continue in life. The key is to not give up. Trust the Lord and continue to follow Him faithfully with all your heart, body, mind and soul (Proverbs 3:5-6). Hold Jesus’ hand and choose to have faith in Him even in this current dark time.
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