In Times of Adversity

Sometimes life isn't what you expected or wanted or hoped for. Sometimes you get bad news. Sometimes people hurt you. Sometimes you are discouraged, let down, or fearful about the future. But God is using those times to shape you into the person that He can see you being. He has a beautiful master plan that we cannot see.  Even knowing that, you have to make it through those valleys. Here are some things that have helped me in the past.

Helps for the Hard Times.

1. Reaffirm your commitment to Christ regardless of the outcome of the situation.  It reminds you what your goal in life is and I believe it warms God's heart as well.  Job 13:15, "Though he slay me yet will I trust him:"

2. Don't blab your problems to everybody you see. Nothing screams "I don't trust God!" more than "I'm so upset! You'll never believe what happened!  What am I going to do???" Take your problems to Jesus. You can tell Him over and over and He won't get tired of hearing you. And tell a trusted advisor or friend so they can be praying with/for you.

3. Pray for the needs of others. Their problems are as big to them as yours are to you. It's also good to get your mind off yourself.  Matt. 7:7-11, Luke 11:5-13

4. Spend extra time giving thanks. It's easy to get totally caught up in the problems and miss the wonderful things God has done and is doing in your life. Remind yourself of how God has manifested Himself in your life in the past.

5. Memorize Scripture. Quote it to yourself over and over to remind yourself of God's truth. Some of my favorite verses in hard times include Is. 43:2,7; Is. 26: 2-3; Pro. 18:10; Ps 23; Is. 41:10, 13; Jer. 29:11; Ps. 138:3; Ps. 139. Quote them to yourself over and over and over to combat fear and worry and to remind yourself that God is in control and has not left you.

6. Rest extra. I find it's harder to keep from feeling overwhelmed when I am tired. Take a short nap. Get in bed earlier.

7. Follow your normal routine. Did that sound contradictory to Number Six? You do need extra rest but it does not help you or your family for you to sit and stare at the wall. Get up and get going. God will give you strength.  Especially be faithful to your Bible reading and prayer time, your work at church, and your service to your family.

8. Look for ways to bless others. Once again, take the focus off yourself and bless someone else.

There is an end to everything, even the darkest trials. And God is working even when we can't see it.