Facing
Challenges
Throughout life, we meet
all kinds of difficulties and come face to face with our limitations. They may
be physical, emotional, or spiritual – even a combination of all three. We may
have tried to confront them by going to a doctor or adding exercise to our
regiment. We may have sought counsel and gotten insight. Or we may have prayed
and read the Bible, all hoping our situation would change for the better.
As Christians change can
foster faith questions and trust issues with our Lord, but the Helper (Holy
Spirit) can lead us through the dark valleys. For example, we might wonder:
·
Did God hear my requests?
·
Is it my failure to take care of myself
that I face this problem?
·
Does God see me and care about my
situation?
·
Am I doomed to be this way for all my
life?
These are just a few
things that might come to mind for you. I confess, at times they have caused me
angst. Today as I write, I am faced with one more challenge. Several heart
attacks have weakened my heart, and doctors tell me another heart procedure is
needed. It is familiar, but because of the aging process and other issues, this
is more difficult to handle physically and emotionally.
Because of the
miraculous way God has brought me through past struggles, He will do it again
but there are uncertainties. Thankfully His Word is speaking clearly these days
offering comfort, hope in Him and my future, and a deeper love and appreciation
for my heavenly Father.
Praise goes to my
faithful and kind Father. Delight in Him is increasing while watching Him work
in the lives of others and myself. Longing for more of Him to meet my every
need grows along with confidence in His knowing what is best for me. Some of
the verses that especially minister to my heart include:
·
When answers are not enough, I recall
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLV): Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not trust in your own understanding. Agree with
Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.
·
When it feels like there is more to do to
change things, I remember Philippians 4:19 (ESV): And my
God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory
in Christ Jesus.
·
When my mind begins to focus on things I cannot
control I am reminded of Jesus words in John 14:27 (NLT): I am leaving you
with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world
cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
·
When heaviness overwhelms me Jesus’ words in
Matthew 11:28 & 29b draw me to my Savior and healer: Come
to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you
rest … and you will find rest for your souls.
·
When I lose sight of who is supremely
sovereign of everything my mind goes to Isaiah 41:10 (AMP) – God’s words: Do not fear
[anything], for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, be assured
I will help you; I will certainly take hold of you with My righteous right hand
[a hand of justice, of power, of victory, of salvation].’
Do I fail along the way? Yes, I forget at times who is in
charge with ability and attention given to aid as He did Paul, Job, Moses, and
Jesus – but I know who I believe and He is keeping me safe in the hollow of His
hand (even when I don’t feel it). Like
Paul in Philippians 1:6 (ESV),
my confidence rests in Jesus:
And I am sure of this,
that he who began a good work in you [and me] will bring it to completion at the day of
Jesus Christ.
by Joy Pedersen
