Growing up, I had an idealistic scenario of what I hoped my future would be like. My aim was a life of peace and circumstantial happiness. But it didn’t take long to realize reality is far different.
When I gave my life to Jesus Christ, I figured it would be much better since I’d chosen the right path. What I didn’t factor in is true life is about something far greater than comfort and smooth circumstances.
God is working for my good, but He alone knows what that is. Sometimes we face hard, confusing situations. Jesus tells us we’ll experience troubles , but we wonder why since all they seem to produce is pain. [1]
In a broken relationship my wife and I are facing with a close family member, God seems to have erected a ‘God at Work – No Trespassing’ sign. We’ve done all we know to do.
We pray ferociously. We cry out. We wait.
The following steps help:
Don’t Pretend
Don’t pretend all is well. Acknowledge life is different than you had hoped. Accept the loss and feel the pain.
Lord, I call You near in the depths of my grief. You’re the God of all Comfort. Sooth my pain with the Joy of Your presence.[2]
Celebrate God’s Faithfulness
Celebrate the fact that God has seen you through tough times before and trust He will do it again in this situation.
Lord, You’ve been so faithful through so many difficulties. Looking back, I certainly see how You’ve used these trials for me to give up trying to live life on my own and to trust You.[3] The eternal work You’ve done in my soul makes this very hard situation worth it. It has strengthened me emotionally and spiritually. It has drawn me closer to my bride.
Stop Fretting
Fret – to be worried or anxious.
Catch yourself in the act of fretting about what you can’t change. This is in the Lord’s hands. Decide to stop trying to figure things out.
Lord, I trust You to invite me into this difficulty when You’re ready. I don’t want to thwart what You’re doing. In the meantime, I trust You’re at work in the lives of all involved in ways I may never understand.
Focus on What’s Beautiful
Focus on the beautiful things on this side of the ‘God at Work’ sign.
With the birds, celebrate the waking of the new day. Look your loved ones in the face and take in every precious moment. Stay present. Engage your senses in all of God’s moments. Savor. Acknowledge God’s nearness in every detail of His creation.
Though we may feel as if we’ve failed, in Christ, we believers are complete. [4] and no situation can change that. We died, and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God.[5]
Lord, in You I’m okay, even if this situation is never resolved. I’m free to enjoy life’s moments with You, in spite of any unexpected situation.
Take Time to Draw Near
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; (Psalm 73:28a NASB)
Lord, my heart is ready to be glad. In you, I rejoice always, even when life takes a turn which threatens my sense of well being. Through it all, my eyes are on You. My faith is growing because of this hard reality in ways I would have never thought possible. I draw closer to You every day because of it. I don’t need this situation to work out to be okay.
You are enough.
My life is oriented from things above where I’m seated with You. My comfort is not the most important thing. Please continue Your work while I wait.
Yet those who wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary. (Isaiah 40:31 NASB)
[1] John 16:33
[2] II Corinthians 1:3-5
[3] II Corinthians 1:8-9
[4] Colossians 2:9-10
[5] Colossians 3:3
Other Posts on enduring Hard Times:
Can we be Sad and Glad at the Same Time?
Knowing God’s Love in Spite of the Circumstances
Dealing with Sadness and Disappointment
Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God’s nearness in the midst of life’s adventures.
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