We all face tough times at some stage in our lives, whether it is through the loss of a loved one, the loss of income or the end of a marriage. The question is not if we will ever face tough times, but when. Going through tough times is part of the human experience and it is through these times that we encounter our greatest opportunities for growth and development.
I believe it is the way in which we face the tough times that ultimately builds our character and helps us emerge stronger and more resilient.
As babies we easily communicate our needs to our parents, crying or fussing and having them fix our problems for us. As we grew older, we learn that it is not that simple. Adults are expected to face life’s challenges and overcome them, but to often we find we don’t have the tools to face, much less overcome life’s challenges and more often than not they devastate us.
We find ourselves approaching those challenges based on the narratives that played out in our past experiences. The scars of hurt and betrayal playing lead roles in how we frame and respond to our world. The advice of others, however well meaning don’t tend to be counter productive or down right destructive, based on their own narratives.
It is in the midst of life’s greatest challenges that we are prompted to seek out guidance from the Holy Spirit, our guide and comforter.
“And call upon me on the day of trouble: I will deliver you and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15
Our God will deliver us and give us strength to overcome our greatest challenges and help us to persevere and keep holding on.
His word says: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 .
Know that God is aware of ALL our struggles. He cares what happens to us and knows what it is like to be human on this earth.
There is a wonderful promise in this scripture that says:
“And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Let us take comfort in the fact that God knows about every challenge that we face and trust that each challenge comes to teach us something about ourselves and about who we are in Him. He has prepared and equipped us to withstand and overcome every challenge that comes our way.
Praise God!
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you know the challenges we face today. We are grateful that you will not allow any challenge to destroy us. We ask that you will give us the grace and strength to hold on to your promise that you have provided the way out of each of our troubles. We thank you for revealing to us the way out, right now, in Jesus name.
Amen.
