A Life of Faith

Hanging on During Trying TimesCould she ever win her father's love? The wait seemed endless at times. In her bed that night, Elsie searched her little Bible for words of hope. And she found them in the promise of God's eternal love: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Whatever else happened to her, God's love would be with her always.

Elsie's Trying Times

Elsie wanted so badly for her father to love her. It was the most important thing to her. But it seemed that over and over again her hopes were deflated. Those were trying times for Elsie.
We all live in a world which faces trying times. And each of us will at one time or another face hardships in our own lives. Whether you are experiencing an illness, feelings of loneliness, a fight with your best friend, or problems within your family, it's important to know how God can help you during your personal trials. It's so easy to be overtaken by hardships and swept away in feelings of despair, fear, lost hope or bitterness. But God has a better way for you to handle the stress and uncertainties of trying times.

What To Think About Trying Times

The Bible teaches us that we should not be surprised when we face hardships.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening in you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed" (1 Peter 4:12-13).

We also read in James 1:2-3

When you find yourself in the middle of trying times, recognize that as a Christian you will experience times of trials and suffering, and that this is not unusual. It is actually a time for you to grow in your walk with the Lord and to deepen your faith in God. It can be hard to think in this new way, but you must remember that God's ways are different than ours: "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8).

Walking close to God (especially during hard times) means that we must begin thinking in a new way; that we begin looking at circumstances in our lives from God's perspective: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2). So even in the midst of your pain and suffering, submit your thinking and reasoning to the Father and put your trust in His Word about your situation.

Elsie's Comfort

In the midst of her own trying times, Elsie knew exactly where to go and what to do to find comfort in her doubt. How did Elsie hang on during trying times? She turned to her little worn Bible and searched through its pages until she found a passage of Scripture that renewed her hope and gave her peace to carry on.

Times were tough for Elsie, but instead of giving up and running away from God, she did just the opposite - she ran to God and He gave her the strength to face another day. Although you may experience trying times in your life, remember that God has not left you! If you find yourself thinking about giving up and running away from God, turn to your Bible for reassurance! Search out the pages until you find words of hope.

Where To Start The Search

Sometimes it can be frustrating to find passages in the Bible to help you during times of need. If you have trouble knowing where to start your search in the Word, why not try looking through the Psalms. The Psalms are a great place to turn to when you feel overwhelmed during trying times. It seems that each chapter has verse after verse of encouraging words. Here's a small sampling:

Psalm 9:9 says, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."

Psalm 32:7 "You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance."

Psalm 121:7-8 "The Lord will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

There are many other Psalms which speak of God's faithfulness and love during times of hardship, sorrow, or troubles. Try memorizing one of these Psalms and hide it in your heart. When you begin to experience trying times, recall the Scripture verse and hold on to the promise of God's help.

GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU

It's also important to remember that God promises to never leave or forsake you. "So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" (Hebrews 13:6). There are many wonderful truths in Scripture that offer security, peace and comfort when we are facing hardships. This is where you can run when you are filled with doubts or fear and are barely hanging on. You will feel peace when you turn to the Lord. Jesus offers rest for you during hardships. He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-29). Elsie found rest in God's Word when she was troubled. You can do the same!

Be Prepared

What will you do when hardships come your way? Be prepared by knowing that you can turn to God as your refuge. Read over the Scriptures listed in this lesson, and research more verses to encourage you. Gear yourself up to renew your mind and see your circumstances from God's perspective. And most of all, submit your burdens to Jesus and allow Him to give you rest, instead of anxiety and heartache.

Just because we are Christians does not mean that we never feel feelings of despair, anger, hopelessness or bitterness. Elsie's life is a wonderful example of this. But it does mean that we have a Helper who wants to walk with us during our hardships. We have Jesus and our Heavenly Father who can comfort us and give us strength to withstand any storm that comes our way. And when we turn to God and tap into His mercy and strength, we grow in our relationship with Him. We learn to trust Him more and more (especially during hard times) and we can encourage others who face trying times. We can offer God's good news of hope and love to those feeling hopeless and unloved.

So embrace hardships. See your trying time as a special assignment from God. He has every tool you need to see it through. You only need to turn to Him and trust in His promises found in Scripture. He is faithful and won't leave you to deal with your troubles alone.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR HANGING ON DURING TRYING TIMES:

1. Don't be surprised when trying times come your way (1 Pe. 4:12-13 and Ja. 1:2-3).

2. See your circumstances from God's point of view; renew your mind by trusting in Him! (Ro. 12:2)

3. Hang on to the promises of God's help by searching the Scriptures.

4. Try starting your search in the book of Psalms.

5. Don't doubt the fact that God is always with you! (Heb. 13:6)

6. Be prepared for trying times by knowing that you can turn to God as your refuge!