When we start to see that we are not perfect ….we begin to lean in on the one who is perfect.
We start to see that we are actually not as strong as we thought we were and maybe we need someone who is stronger than us. When we derive our power from the one that is all powerful, we become unstoppable.
No matter what you are facing you can make it. You can do it. Not because of who you are, but because of who He is. Not because of what you do, but because of what he has already done.
You are complete in Him.
So what? Problems inspect - correct - perfect us
That is all well and good, but I am in the middle of a big time problem right now.
I don’t have a car, money is tight, my friend betrayed me, my spouse left me. I thought I had these things from my past under control, but now they are back bigger and stronger than ever.
Your points are nice and they all rhyme - but I need to know … what do I do?
James 1:5-8 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
Scripture says that when you are going through a situation and you don't know what to do, ask God what you should do. Now, I’ve got to say, I am not sure what God would have you do in every trial or problem that you face, but here are four things that I have no doubt are wise decisions in tough times.
Number one - RELAX
Several years ago, I was really into working out. At least three times a week I would go downstairs to my gym and hit the weights. Time after time I would get on the bench and rep after rep I would push and strain until the bar would not move anymore. In those moments of pain and struggle, I have never been more calm. You see I had a spotter. In those moments that I was giving it all I had but it just wasn't enough - I knew he was there - watching me - letting me push - letting me grow - then if I couldn't take it - he would lift the weight for me - until the next rep.
James 1:1-4 states, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
When going thru those times that are so tough they even test your faith in God - in the struggle - in the push - you can relax - you can have joy in your heart because Gods got it. Like a good coach, like good spotter - he is just letting you feel the burn a little - he is just letting you get stronger - but he is never going to leave you.
So the first thing to do in those tough times is simply … relax.
Number two - BE PATIENT
One of the biggest mistakes we make when tough times come is think that “I have to do something”. Far too often in our haste to fix the problem we act too quickly and cause bigger problems. What do you do in tough times? Be patient. Don’t act so quickly. Don’t speak all at once. When you do you will normally regret it and only make things worse.
This is too hard … let’s move.
This isn’t working … lets get a divorce.
I can’t take this anymore … I’m getting something to drink.
No … the Psalmist David who knew a little bit about problems says in Psalms 37:7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
It is so important for us to be patient and not react to the problem too quickly.
Number three - DON’T GO IT ALONE
When tough times come, seek the council of Godly people around you.
Proverbs 11:14 says, For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.
If we were to say that in todays vernacular, we might say it this way …
For lack of guidance - people buy cars they cant really afford - and will cause $ problems
Because of lack of guidance - people leave their spouse when they should have stayed
Because of lack of good advice - people give up when time get confusing
But better decisions are made - when they don't go it alone but get good advice.
Who is it in your life that has proven they have some things figured out? Set up a meeting with them and let them pour into you over a good cup of coffee. Read a book from an author that has overcome your situation. Listen to a podcast from a leader you respect. There are a lot of ways to get Godly counsel, but whatever you do, don't got it alone.
Number four - STAY ON THE PATH
About four years ago a family friend let us spend a few days in their cabin up at Shaver Lake, a quaint little town in the Sequia Mountains, here in California. While up in the mountains we decided to go on a hike. It was early evening and we thought it would be so good to hike up the mountain and watch the sunset from a really cool cliff area that we had heard about.
We started up the hill and wall was well, except for we did not make it to the cliff before the sunset. To make matters worse, we were about three miles up the hill, it’s pitch black and I did not bring a flash light. I know, I don't know what I was thinking either, but I didn’t bring one.
We did not have flash light but we did have a couple of cell phones. So all the way down the hill we had our cell phone light shining just a few steps in front of us. All the way down, all we could see was just a few steps in front of us. We had just enough light to stay on the path. So that is exactly what we did. We stayed on the path.
Psalms 119:105 records, Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
We may know this but lets read on in this passage
When tough times come - not want to be here - depressed - confused - no I will walk this out
Psalms 119:105-112
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws. I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word. Accept, Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws. Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law. The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts. Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.
Did you hear that? You word is lighting my path. I am going through a tough time, I am suffering much, but I have not strayed from the way you want me to walk. My heart is set on you and I will keep walking with you to the very end.
When you go through those dark times of life, choose to have a “stay on the path” mentality.
No matter what … I am not quitting No matter what … I am not going back. No matter what … I am staying on the path.
Reality is, life is not perfect. We have problems. The question is not will you have problems, the question is how will you see them. Remember the words of James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.