Some times life delivers a blow that comes out of the blue and knocks you to the ground. Have you ever experienced this? While you may be left standing you don't necessarily feel like you are on solid footing and you are left searching for some meaning - some reason.
This is especially true when you are a Christian. You are tempted to look up and say "Hey! I thought you were in charge!" And some of us do just that. After you do that, what then? Where do you go when you are not sure where to go? What do you hold on to when the very basis for life seems intangible?
There are two things that have helped me get through these kind of things. One is to remember who I know God to be. I go through (either in my head or in a journal) and list the character traits of God. Here are a few:
- I know he is Ruler of Everything.
- I know nothing happens to me that he has not allowed.
- I know that he loves me.
- I know that no matter what happens, he will use it for my good and his glory (not necessarily in that order).
- I know he is good.
- I know that he is stronger than Satan.
The next thing I do is go find words of encouragement. Here are some that I've found recently that have inspired me to not give up.
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NLT)
I have called you back from the ends of the earth,
saying, ‘You are my servant.’
For I have chosen you
and will not throw you away.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:9-10 (NLT)
My prayer is that as you walk through life's difficult journeys (and we all do at some point), that you will remember how deeply God loves you and that he is always there for you.