How to deal with hard times

Many analogies have been used to describe our lives on earth: voyages across often-stormy seas, climbing to the summit of tall mountains, fighting daily battles. We steer clear of comparisons like "a bed of roses" because we know one thing for sure: Life is sometimes quite difficult.

 

What keeps God's people going when those blows are allowed to land? Here are a couple of passages that have helped many:

 

Hebrews 12:2 - "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith..." Peter was granted an awesome privilege - to walk on water, just like Jesus was doing. Peter's walk was cut short, however. Why did he begin to sink? Matthew tells us: "But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!'" (Matthew 14:30)

 

If we concentrate on the blows of life, we may also begin to sink. Let us learn the truth presented in Hebrews 12:2. Let us never stop "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith."

 

1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Here is a needed admonition for those who have been disappointed in God's decisions. Some, after suffering hard blows, consider giving up.

 

Once again, Peter illustrates the concept. On one occasion Jesus' teachings offended many of his followers. Some even turned away from following him. Jesus looked at those who remained and asked, "Do you also want to go away?" (John 6:67)

 

Peter spoke for faithful disciples of all times when he responded: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68,69).

 

We won't always understand God's will for us. Sometimes we won't even like it. But to whom will we go? Only in Christ will we find everlasting life. And one thing more we believe: "We'll understand it all by and by."

 

Tim Hall