Tough Times

Many people come to Christ believing that all their problems will instantly disappear and they won't have to struggle any more.  They think that the good life the Bible promises us is based solely on our circumstances.  Sadly, this is not true  It is referring to the attitude of our heart and mind.

Some of our greatest battles occur after we become Christians but it is our faith in God that enables us to fight and win.

               Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.
                              Psalm 27:14 Amplified

Saying life in this world is easy is an understatement.  Times get tough, people hurt us, and doubt plagues us.  This verse shows us how we can use our faith to get through it all.

We can refuse to let ourselves get discouraged by repeatedly acknowledging that God is on our side.  He will help us through all things.  He will not ever leave us nor forsake us.  God is always with us and when things get tough we can cling to His promises. 

It is our determination to believe God's word over our thoughts and feelings that we find His strength to be just what we need. 

The inner turmoil caused by fear and doubt is stopped when we think and speak of God's faithfulness and goodness towards us.  

Even in good times, we can remind ourselves of how much God helps us.  I have found that when I practice thinking about God's goodness towards me when things are going well that it is easier to stand on them when the going gets tough.

There is nothing that happens to you that God cannot get you through.  He will give you everything you need but you cannot give up or give in.  There is no such thing as a compromise with God.  If you quit, you lose.

God's promises prove true when we don't let go of them.  We don't have to give in to our thoughts and feelings.  We can choose to believe that what God has promised to do, He will do.

When times get tough, God is stronger.  Our expectation of His presence in the midst of our struggles opens the way for Him to move in our lives.  He will reveal the victory of Christ though us when we refuse to let go of His promises.

Whatever happens today, know that God has already given you the ability to handle it.
Heidirn