"Trying Times"

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

 

As you all know my brother in law passed away last week. Last night we received word that my husband's aunt passed away. Here we are again this week facing another funeral, another empty place in our hearts, another hurt for those we love. Life is often like this- one pain after another, one trial after another, another test before you are over the last one, multiple temptations, problems upon problems. Many come without a moment between them to even catch your breath.

 

Life has a way at times of becoming more than we can bear. It is not always, "happy, happy, joy, joy". Sometimes it is more than you can bear. The Apostle Paul was experiencing one of those times when he cried out to God to remove the "thorn in his flesh". David faced those times as well. He was a man "without a country". The Philistines had sent him away and would not let him stay with them. When he got home to Ziklag, the enemy had captured his family. His heart was not only broken and overwhelmed at his loss but his own men who had faithfully followed him talked about stoning him. 

 

In each of these men's lives, and in the lives of countless others in the Bible, not only do we read about the continued afflictions, trials and testing that they endured, we also read about how they made it through them. We discover that their answer is our answer as well. Their answer was found in the Lord. They called out to Him. They didn't run from Him but they ran to Him. They didn't get angry at Him, they didn't accuse Him, they didn't turn from serving Him. They knew their help was in Him. They knew they could trust Him regardless of the situation. They knew He was with them and had never and would never leave them. They sought Him for their strength and their answer. In both cases He answered them, He imparted His strength and grace to them, and He fought their battles with them and for them. 

 

When we face difficulties, no matter how often they come, our answer and ability to make it through them comes from our confidence in the Lord. It comes from remembering that He is with us, He is upholding us, He is watching over us, He is not to blame, He loves us and His presence will stay with us sustaining us at every moment.

 

Have a great day. We are often bombarded by difficulties and trials, but we never face them alone. 

 

For further reading:

Psalm 34:19

2 Corinthians 11:21-30; 1:4; 12:9

1 Samuel 30

Matthew 11:28-30

 

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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell

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