Help for Difficult Times by Moni

Please do not be discouraged about the recent media diversions. The Lord is faithful! We all know that the enemy is out to kill, steal, and destroy us: our lives, our families, our church. We in the church have sometimes developed patterns of displaying a façade that "all is well", when really it is not. The brother or sister sitting next to you in church or work may be significantly hurting and they have no answer to the dilemma. How can you encourage them to keep pressing on in the faith? :

One asks, “How are things?” The typical answer is, “Fine.”
Another ask, “How are you?” The tripe reply is, “Fine.”

Have you ever wondered what you would say to Job on this side of the cross?

I have several dear friends who have diligently sought God, even participating in days of prayer and fasting, and still have no answers. Days have been tough for them. There have been lingering illnesses, discouraging periods of confusion, loss of work, death in the family, etc. Almost continuously their prayers seem to stop at the ceiling as they have been tested month after month, even year after year.

Job’s sorry comforters did not have the right answers. Recently I prayed with a dear friend in this type of a situation. I did not have any pat answers for her. Nonetheless, I know that the Lord is faithful and will continue to be faithful. She also understood His faithfulness. I could stand with her in prayer that day and continue to do so since I knew her needs. I knew that she was kneeling blamelessly and surrendered before Her Lord and Savior day after day, seeking His face.

Sometimes we don’t have answers for the particular situations before us. Oftentimes we need to simply, but wholeheartedly stand in the Lord’s faithfulness. Here are a few reminders for the days when we walk through trials without answers.

1. Know who God is.
2. Know God’s promises.
3. Recite God's faithfulness to yourself.
4. Consistently wrestle with God in prayer.
5. Stand fast again Satan.
6. Wait on God.
7. Stay in fellowship.
8. Be accountable.
9. Engage prayer warriors on your behalf.

Know who God is. God is faithful (1 Co 1:9) and true (Joh 17:3). He is Master of the universe, yet intimately involved with you. He is the Author and Perfecter (Heb 12:2) of your faith! He carries you through every situation (Ps 18:16). Get fully acquainted with Him and His ways.

Know His promises. In times of great challenge, we need to be reminded of God’s unshakeable commitment to us. Here are just a couple of the promises found in God’s Word. Take time to search these promises. As you read, speak, and listen to the Word of God, it changes you.

Remember, also, the following Scriptures.

• “Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. The very hairs of your head are numbered.” (Lu 12:7)
• How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! God thinks of you as much as the sands of the sea. (Ps 139:17-18)
• The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." (De 31:8)

Recite God's faithfulness to yourself. Keep a running notebook of the Lord’s faithfulness. Throughout our years, we have seen and experienced the Lord’s goodness. We can tell you of the many times that He has carried us through the tough times. His faithfulness has become more sure to us through each testing.

A friend recently shared that since her children are young, she takes a meaningful picture each time they experience the Lord’s faithfulness and see His hand in answered prayer. She then frames the pictures and hangs them in the hallway and around the house. At Thanksgiving they put these pictures on display and recount the Lord’s faithfulness. The pictures are reminders and visual illustrations of the Lord’s consistent faithfulness. Then, she starts the picture taking over and teaches the Lord’s faithfulness year after year. These children have developed into terrific prayer warriors.

I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess” – Martin Luther1

Consistently wrestle with God in prayer. Everyone “wrestles” with God in a different way. Some of us seek God quietly. Some of us are quite verbal. However you best connect with God, consistently push through the crowd to touch God Almighty (Mt 9:20).

• But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." (Gen 32:26)
• "Luther said: ‘If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day. I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.’ He had a motto: ‘He that has prayed well has studied well.’”2

Stand fast against Satan. Do not listen to the lies that Satan subtly tries to place in your mind and heart. It is too easy to wonder if God has forgotten you. When discouraged, you may be condemned by a sinful past, thinking you don’t deserve abundant life (Joh 10:10) that others know. Satan is very good about knowing your doubts, insecurities and fears and will whisper little lies into your ears that seem so believable. They must be rejected immediately and replaced with the truth that is found in God’s Word. A good rule of thumb is to test your feelings, doubts, and fears against the truth about God. God is loving (Mic 7:18), merciful (Da 9:9), full of grace (1 Co 1:3) and faithful (Ps 89:8). If you find yourself wondering if things will ever change or if your situation will ever improve, you can stand on the attributes of God and choose life. "This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live" De 30:19. (Please note that this Scripture doesn’t speak of any middle ground, one either chooses death or life.)

Wait on God. It is essential that you wait on God (Ps 33:20). God cares about you! However, because of mankind’s unwillingness to wait upon the Lord for His timing, there are many Scriptural examples of what happens. Ichabods are created by the hand of man (1 Sa 4:21). Do you remember some of man’s imperfect solutions that have been thrust unto the horizon because of doubt and impatience? Eve’s sin caused Adam to sin (Ge 3:6). Sarah’s solution to her barrenness produced Esau (Ge 16:2). From experience, may I say that even in most desperate situations, it is easy to come up with a solution that you can create to make do. However, be patient! Wait on God for His answers.

Stay in fellowship. During times of great challenge, may I encourage you to stay in fellowship (Lu 15:4). There’s nothing that the enemy of our soul would like to do more than to isolate and separate. Most people tend to withdraw into themselves and away from others in a protective reflex. "I am hurting enough as it is. If I have to face any more rejection or get stepped on by another person, I don't think I could handle it." "I'm too ashamed of where I am or what I've let happen in my life to face people or admit to it." Isolation is a great tool of the enemy and he is incredibly effective in employing it. The enemy is out to kill you (Jn 10:10)! Therefore, trust in God and stay connected. If it has been a while since you have had a cup of coffee with a strong believer, now is the time. Listen to the Word in your local church. If you are having a problem getting connected, email [email] me so that we can talk!

Be accountable. May I challenge you to take just one more step further in commitment. Find a friend who is willing to keep you accountable. Even if you don’t have anything special or positive to report, find a friend who will make sure that you are disciplining yourself daily in the Word and prayer. Be honest. We all need accountability. You are not intended to walk this path alone (Am 3:3; Mt 18:19). The Holy Spirit is your best friend, making intercession for you (Rm 8:27). Enjoy the Body of Christ and find a friend who will stand with you!

Engage prayer warriors on your behalf. Every one should have a prayer shield around them. Prayer is a mighty force. Oftentimes when you are discouraged, you need extra support from friends, who are willing to keep you in prayer. If you are needing some extra prayer support, [email]

Footnotes:
1Martin, Luther, Think Exist Quotations, (http://thinkexist.com/quotes/martin_luther/) accessed 7 August 2007.
2Martin, Luther, Gospelcom.net's Sermon Index, (http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/articles/index.php?view=article&aid=19494) accessed 7 August 2007.