Sometimes we use the phrase ‘when it rains, it pours’ when it relates to dealing with challenges and difficulties in life. We may feel like life beats us up sometimes. We may feel like we really can’t deal with what has happened to us and those around us. It may be several minor or moderate setbacks, or it can be much more significant. When we face losing our job, our friends and family, or even our own life, it is normal to deal with frustration and anger or to ask ‘why is this happening to me?’ At various points we may feel abandoned by God or by others. We may blame others, ourselves, or God, or we may turn to them for help. How do you cope? Where do you turn when life doesn’t seem fair?
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. Job 13:15
We tell kids ‘Life isn’t fair.’ We don’t always get what we think we deserve. We can find injustice around us every day if we open our eyes and listen to what is going on around us. There have always been and will always be people who take advantage of others. Bad things will happen to ‘good’ people and those who harm others don’t always get what they deserve, even if that is forgiveness. What is your response to this? We can say ‘it is what it is’ and try to ignore it, or we can try to intervene in little ways or make a bigger difference, when we are able. Whether that is settling an argument between children, or saving someone’s life by walking with them through a difficult time. We can be the hands and feet of God by showing love each day when we have an opportunity to do so.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
When you are dealing with difficulties beyond your control, turn to God. Ask Him to direct you. Ask Him to give you strength. Ask Him to simply walk with you through what you are facing. We don’t always know how things will turn out, but when we give it to God, and trust Him, we can persevere. It often does not turn out how we would like, but when does life follow our script? As many believers have done before, God gives us the ability to endure up to, or even past the point of death. Ultimately, Christ was our example through his obedience to God, through his life and his death. Though joy may not be our initial reaction when we encounter life’s difficulties, let us find the joy in serving our Lord, and walking with him through all the trials in life. Be encouraged today no matter what you are facing.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Strength and Courage in Christ,
Clark
