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When following God isn't easy. Sometimes it all seems so easy. Everything in life falls together for you. The family is ok, the job is working out, and things are going well at church, you'll know what I mean. Yet those times seem kind of rare, don't they? All too often, we feel as though we are under attack. Life seems so hard and difficulties surround us. Relationships are fractured, health has fled, and finances are a struggle. These valley experiences are all too common. How can we deal with these hard times? Where is God when life gets tough? Is there a key to overcome discouragement? The Bible addresses the difficulties of life with great honesty. God's Word never presents the believer's life as one without struggle. Hardships come with the package of life. One of the great stories of overcoming adversity is found in the Chapters of Nehemiah: The first tells how when Nehemiah was told of the destruction of Jerusalem, he wept, fasted and prayed. The second reveals Nehemiah made a plan of action and prayed as he asks the King to send him to rebuild the City. The result and in spite of great danger and opposition, the walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt. There is much we can learn from this story. In your life, it might be rebuilding the walls of God's protection and blessing around your family or church. Every Believer and any work of God, must expect opposition. It's entirely possible that the work of God for you today involves tearing down walls, perhaps those that separate believers, or in relationships, etc. However, we can be assured Satan does not like this and will oppose us. Satan wants us weak. God wants us strong. Perhaps you are in the midst of great difficulties even now. Have you considered how the Lord might be using this time to prepare you for the life and ministry He has in mind for you in the future? Is He developing your character, your faith, your perseverance, your abilities, your appreciation for life, or your relationship with Him? Difficult times can help us develop greater faith, humility, character, reverence, obedience and appreciation, as well as increase our heart and ability for ministry. Endure hardship as discipline...God disciplines us out of His love for us and for our good; that we may share in His holiness.’ Discipline produces righteousness, strength of character, perseverance and peace. 'Do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.’ God is today stirring us up to rebuild the walls. Within the walls of our own lives, we are to get serious about God in prayer, His Word, in witness, and in lifestyle. God's walls represent protection against the attacks of Satan. Nehemiah Ch. 4: gives us some principles for dealing with times of discouragement and trial: a. We must proceed in spite of opposition. They prayed and set to work. b. Discouragement will hit and don't be surprised by this. Active opposition made the job appear impossible. c. Be aware of Satan's plan. All too often we are unaware of the enemy's chemes. They returned to work and frustrated the plans of their enemies. d. Put on the whole armour of God. e. Take advantage of special prayer times, ministry for those who are hurting. The Christian life is lived out in the midst of the battlefield, which means tough times and difficult situations. God’s Word provides principles for victory. His Word also gives us assurance of the power of God at work within us to allow us to become ‘more than conquerors.’ Jesus said, ‘But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33 |
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