Tough
Times
When we see the world today, we know that everyone is going through tough times. It appears at times to be quite overwhelming for many, especially for those in the lower income bracket. Many get discouraged and feel that they will never get ahead. The world in general has failed us, but God has not. Jesus rebuked Satan by telling him. "We are not to live by bread alone, but by the word of God to fill our spirit." (Matthew 4:4). It's not all about the money! Whether your rich or poor, you are going to have tough times in your life. However, the way you handle tough times can have a big impact on your life. You can handle them with the ways of the world, or with the help of God. We all make mistakes and should learn from them. But, with God's help "The holy Spirit," we can make less mistakes and solve the problems we will encounter throughout our lives. Lets take a look at some steps to take that will help us through these tough times.
Lift up and encourage your spirit. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psalm 121:1). Look up, clear your mind and meditate. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2). As a Christian, your strength and wisdom comes form God. Call on it, embrace it, and use it, to help you through tough times.
Learn to identify and handle your mistakes. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:32). Eliminate the cause and replace error with truth. "Error and mistakes come from lack of knowledge and quick judgment." The truth in the "Word" will always set you free. Free from what? Free from the old law, traditions of men, false teachings, and ways of the world. Most important; free from being a slave to Satan, especially during tough times!
Have faith, confidence, and never limit yourself. And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. (Matthew 17:20). This took place when the disciples could not heal the possessed man. They could not do it because of their non-belief and lack of faith. Mountain is symbolic of nation "an evil nation," speaking of Satan and his band of followers. If you believe and have the faith, Satan can be removed from the equation. Believe in your potential, nothing is impossible with God on your side.
Don't worry! Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22). We may not be able to handle some of our burdens during tough times, but God can. Call on Him, speak to Him, and tell Him about your problem. He will always show you a solution or a way out. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13). You are never tempted with more than you can handle in life. (2 Timothy 3:11), God will always deliver you.
Don't be afraid, let fear motivate you. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4). God is on your side and wants you to live a long, happy, and prosperous life. Stand up to fear, and again, God will deliver you.
Finally, solve the problem! These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33). Jesus tells the disciples, as well as us, "I have told you all this so that you will have peace in Me." Peace of mind! Jesus goes on to say that here on earth we will have many tough times. But, not to worry, because He has overcome the world. We get the victory over the world because of Christ! (Romans 8:37, Galatians 1:4, 6:14, I John 4:4, 5:4). We have the victory because God is greater than the world, Satan, or any evil teachers in this wicked world. (Hebrews 2:14). We are to be overcomers in the world, defeating sin and tough times by trusting in Christ to help us. That is what faith is, and without it, it is impossible to please God, or get help from God. So, with that being said; clear your mind, lift your spirit, call on the Heavenly Father, and He will see you through tough times.
Keep The Faith,Barton