Occasionally, we find ourselves at the crossroads of life without a road map and not knowing where to turn; whether to the east, west, north or south. Whenever this happens, be sure we are going through foreign turf or we have found ourselves in wrong location. How we got there is another matter.
And how do we tackle such situations? We try to use our own know-how, intelligence, wisdom or common sense hoping these will work for us. When it doesn’t, we wrongly believe that we have been abandoned by the God who said that He will “…never leave us nor forsake us.” When no end of crying and praying seems to get us out of the muddle, we begin to wonder why, and to cast doubt. When the forecast on the horizon turns real bleak and dismal then we are confounded. We want to deny the very existence of God.
Alone in the ring
It is natural to feel this way and I know exactly what you are going through but “…be strong in the Lord.” It is part of growing up. At the end of it all, we gain maturity. To grow up, we must from time to time, have face-to-face encounters with the enemy or face trials. God wants to see how we would fare. Whether we will come running to Him or whether we will take the authority He has given us (over serpents and scorpions) to deflect Satan’s blows.
Sometimes leaving us in the ring to face our adversaries for a while, is deliberate -- as if it were a test of our strength. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking nothing.” (James 1:2-4) What good is it if we are supposed to be strong in the Lord and yet we faint at the first punch we receive from the enemy or we stumble at every obstacle? Remember that the more we put our confidence in God, the better we shall be able to go through it all.
Boxing gloves
In life our strength is constantly being tested – at school, in the workplace and at home - and we stand a chance of winning only if we have our boxing gloves on, than if we have them off.
You are not alone
In life, we will have to face adversity, but one thing we can be sure of is this: in the worst of times, He is there with us. “Even though (you) walk through the valley of the shadow of death, (you) will fear no evil, for you (God) are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23: 4) This is the assurance that David had when he was going through trials.
What great assurance to know that the Lord God Almighty, the God of Hosts, is close by, watching over us.
Confusing signals?
You probably will be saying to yourself when you are alone in the ring with no help in sight; ‘but I have been serving God faithfully; I am regular and active in church; I am tutoring the children in Sunday School and the weekly Guild; I sing in the choir; I have an effective prayer life and I study the Bible regularly; yet, I am facing opposition and if I am not careful, the enemy will knock me down to the ground. Why should I face such problems?
Let me assure you that the plans of your opponents have succeeded only as far as God wants to build you up. It is a temporary phase you are going through and not a final exit from the scene. Your enemies expect you to be bitter and they are rejoicing over their short-lived triumph.
A God-kind of operation
God has allowed trials and tribulations in our lives for His glory. It was intended for us to fight battles in this world; therefore problems will always come our way. How you face them will reveal to God where you stand with Him and His word. Listen to what Jesus says: “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2nd Corinthians 12:9)
In the worst of circumstances, just you lean on God’s grace and see. Rely on my grace and all will be well. It has been made available for you. Jesus is no match for the devil.
God wants to take you to a place called ‘there’, but He wants to be assured of your ability to handle the next stage. Paul and Silas were put in prison for preaching Jesus. Instead of moaning and groaning, they sang praises to God all night, regardless of the situation in which they found themselves. God intervened and they found their freedom.
Never say die
Joseph had several reasons for giving up on his dream of ever becoming a leader in his lifetime; for he was sold into slavery by his own brothers, and thrown into prison on a false charge. These circumstances were far removed from the road to leadership, yet, he never dumped his dream. Joseph was certain that the God he served is not man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19) The dream Joseph had nursed over these years came from God. Therefore, whatever God has declared over your life, will come to pass. No matter what you are going through now, stay focused and be steadfast. Nobody can stop it. God’s word is final. You will rise again!