It isnt always about you. The real question, however, is this: How can your faith grow stronger? It's developed only under trial, so we must not run from difficult situations. Gods perspective on hard times is that they are a part of life. Bible study Life is hard and often cruel, and God doesn't always shelter believers from pain or suffering. If you're missing joy and peace, you're not trusting God. We all want good things to happen in our lives, but too often we want it nownot later. definition In the grand scheme of things, a stressful morning doesn't impact life or eternity all that much, but in those longer seasons of joblessness, sickness, financial stress, marriage strain and other. God causes things to happen at exactly the right time! Hes more generous than the very best human father we could think of. May you be "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything" (Ephesians 5:20). Local: 704-401-2432 The story is found in John 11:1-16. I believe this is one reason God allows suffering. Here are seven practical ways to trust God in your everyday life: 1. Required fields are marked *. Its as simple as that. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. God wants us to live by discernmentrevelationknowledge, notheadknowledge. You too can give glory to God in your hard times if you have a divine perspective. When God answers our prayers, we become comfortable and get caught up with the blessings instead of the blesser. In fact, many are because God needs to break down a coldness or arrogance in us that keeps us from being able to come alongside someone and offer support. It was both comforting and convicting, but definitely something I needed to hear. His friends and wife were of no help to him as he suffered. God gives us hopes and dreams for certain things to happen in our lives, but He doesn't always allow us to see the exact timing of His plan. Jesus Every Christian goes through tough times. 2023 BGEA They see themselves as strong and independent, and they believe they can handle life by themselves. Page not found Instagram In fact, they are a necessary part of life. I'm Having A Hard Time Believing In God. | Christian Forums We could lose things, possessions, and even children, but it did not discount the fact that we were in the hands of a loving God that makes all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28). This reality supports and empowers us to continue. Study the word of God and meditate on it day and night so that you can be able to stay your mind on the Lord. What does it mean when God is stretching you? In harvest time, more than ever before, you hear from God, you enjoy His presence, and you're led by the Spirit. And what to do as we wait upon Him. Exodus 13:17-18 tells us that God led the Israelites the longer, harder way on their journey to the Promised Land because He knew they were not yet ready to go in. Why does God sometimes give us hard times? - Quora True tough time for Gods people, is preparation for tough work. Why do bad things happen to good people? July 12, 2023. His friends and wife were of no help to him as he suffered. So, when things get tough, dont hesitate to reach out to God for help. ATTENTION TO RIGHT HOLDERS! And thats a great place to be. obedience Why? God is always on time! Why isGod giving me a hard time? She believed that her Father in Heaven would heal her if she had faith. Try again If theres anyone who understands what its like to have God (the father) give Him a hard time, it was Jesus. When you do, youll soon realize that Gods way is always bestwithout exception. So many times I found myself on the verge of giving up when a text or email gave me enough hope to get me through the rest of the day. Ever found yourself thanking God for not answering certain prayers. Some things may look useful to you, but you dont need them. Billy Graham Chaplains Deploying to NY After Massive Flooding, Festival of Hope Will Return to Mexico City in 2024, What Will We See When We Get to Heaven? "These are the same people who tell us they are 'not' coming for your . What Should I Expect From Myself in 2021? That one word echoed in my heart and mind all day long. The same is true about us. Trust the process that God is taking you through and believe that your heavenly Father has your best interest at heart. Proverbs The time that Israel was under captivity and when the appointed time had come, God showed his power to both the Egyptians and Israelites through the nine plagues. How do you keep faith in hard times? nature } God allows for struggling to build our inner strength and faith. Remember, while God wants us to live an abundant life, He also wants us to be transformed into the image of Christ. Embrace uncertainty. This, in turn, will cause you to glorify His name. event : evt, We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. I've given up on God because He doesn't seem to care about me. I know So, what shall we do when we are in times of uncertainty while were waiting? If God is giving you a hard time today, it's His way of using your situation to bless the nations. Its just that we want to understand. As we develop patience, the Bible says we finally feel completely satisfiedlacking nothing. He doesn't do things on our timetable. Best answer: What is church discipline in the Bible. God has great plans for your life. youth pastor. Seek Truth in Scripture. What Are Hard Questions About Christianity? But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing (James 1:4). It isn't always about you. Regardless of the interpretation, the Bible teaches that hard times are a part of life. Christianity Prayer Trusting God often requires not knowing how God is going to accomplish what needs to be done and not knowing when He will do it. The same is with faith. Article by Sarah Walton Guest Contributor I sat in the restaurant booth across from my husband, but I was distracted by the couple sitting nearby. Be strong and courageous . He wants our lives to be changed from the inside out that we can prosper in all things. Remember, they had to go through a season of planting just as you are. First Peter 5:5 tells us that God sets Himself against the proud (the insolent, the overbearing, the disdainful, the presumptuous, the boastful)[and He opposes, frustrates, and defeats them], but gives grace (favor, blessing) to the humble. Explanation and Commentary of Deuteronomy 31 : 6 The first is that it tells people to be weak and afraid. Don't give up. Sunday school lessons But remember that God is always with you, no matter what. Why 'Sound of Freedom,' Jim Caviezel's controversial child sex Hard Times that Israel Went Through Were For their Own Good, PayPal to GCash: Step-by-Step Transfer Instructions (2023 Update), Stay in Focus: How to Stay Focused and Get More Done, The Best Productivity Apps to Stay Effective (2023), Confessions of A Millionaire: Money, Goals, and True Joy. God knows you need somewhere to go when you feel unsure. When events take a turn for the worst and you feel your life is over, what is the first thing you say or do? } Prosperity, favor, promotion, honor, and all kinds of good things come out in the open where they can be seen. Do you remember Peter, who on one occasion stepped out of the boat and began walking on the water toward Jesusonly to become fearful and sink? Moreover, when Daniel and his friends took a stand for God in Babylon, the whole empire came to know God and was saved. And not to turn from it to the left or right(Joshua 1). Humility is a covering that draws the help of God into our lives to protect us. What Is The Role Of Faith In Christianity? Proverbs 16:9 says, A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. In Isaiah 49:6, God said to Israel: It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.. They are part of Gods plan. Eight-year-old Lizzy Thomson learned to accept God's will and endure faithfully when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. When God directs our paths, He sometimes leads us in ways that don't make sense to us so we're not always going to understand everything. What Is The Most Important Question In Christianity? In order to keep your checkout process quick and easy, and to help provide accurate shipping details, please add an address. So here are 3 signs God might be preparing you for a major breakthrough that could be right around the corner. Break out of your routine. Do you question God? Having trouble verifying your identity? But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing ( James 1:4 ). Go out and explore. We only remember God when things are hard. He says that we should not be afraid, because the good times will come back. When the Word gets rooted in there and begins to change your mind, it begins to heal your emotions and turn your will away from self-will and onto doing the will of God. Thats why it may seem like God is being hard on you. "I am the vine and you are the branches," Jesus says in John 15:5. window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { I like to write about work, life, and everything in between. Feeling like you're being punished by God is normal for two reasons: 1) life is filled with difficult losses, terrible tragedies, and dry stretches of boredom and loneliness; and 2) you are human, which means you screw up. We rightly criticize him for not having more faithbut unlike the others, at least he got out of the boat! So it is not that God is giving you a hard time. Why Won't God Get Me a Better Job? - ArcaMax Publishing If you feel like giving up, turn to God, and ask Him for strength during this challenging time. Take a moment and think about this with me. Do You Resent the Life God Gave You? | Desiring God "The way is hard that leads to life," He said ( Matthew 7:14, ESV ). In the Bible, we read about Gods faithfulness in times of trouble. So if youre having a hard time today, my friend, know that Jesus is with you. Celebrate your summits- then seek out new ones. We respect your privacy. Amen. Fear in all its formsfrom slight doubts to debilitating anxietiescan make you feel uncomfortable.