It’s easy to think that God isn’t with us in difficult times. We may even wonder why difficult times come upon us if God cares about us. However, difficult times are necessary in order to find gratitude and appreciation for everything else around us. Just as we know what light is because we know what darkness is, without difficulty or limitation we might remain blind to the gifts we do have. The key is to ask God to not allow the difficulty to overwhelm us. To not allow the limitation to consume us. God uses our weaknesses for His Glory. That is why in our weakness we are made strong. Our strength comes from Him. If we were able to do it all ourselves our pride would consume us and turn us away from God. In everything we do He wants us to draw closer to Him. This is the path for all our lives, to be led to Him.
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV
The devil owns the world and thus his ways are present in all things. Temptation surrounds us, because it is a part of worldly culture. We must always keep our guard up to temptations. They are sneaky and interwoven in the simplest of interactions. We can take heart that we are not alone in our hard times. Every one of us faces trials and tribulations. When we stand firm in our faith we are supported and comforted by God. Our suffering won’t last. God is fortifying us every time we seek Him over conforming to the world. He is incredibly generous with us (1 Corinthians 10:13). With our trust in Him, His plans for us can be realized. God gets the last word. We do not have to doubt or worry when going through difficulty.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- What limitations do you have in life? Write them down and the ways they humble you.
- How do you seek God each day in the midst of difficulty? Write it down as recognition of not conforming to the way the world does things.
A Story of a Difficulty:
I have some chronic heart problems and had to have a Pet Scan. Come to find out I am a little claustrophobic. I am a big woman so it felt tight to me. I was getting really nervous and praying. Then all of a sudden I heard the most beautiful music. When I came out I thanked them for the music and they said there was no music. I left there feeling very blessed knowing the Lord was with me and He calmed my nerves.
- Rosa Smith
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
