Dealing with difficult circumstances
We all have to deal with difficult circumstances from time to time. The
good news is that we have been given great help so we can manage the
negative situations in life. It is called God’s Grace. His grace is
truly amazing. It not only takes care of our sin problem through the
cross but also strengthens and sustains us every day of our lives. The
Lord never wavers in His good purpose for us, nor is He ever thwarted.
His sustaining grace is the answer to our needs.
Being a Christian does not exempt us from painful trials or unpleasant
situations. The apostle Paul knew this firsthand. When he presented the
good news of the gospel, some believed but many opposed him. In 2
Corinthians 11:23-27, he wrote that he had been in danger everywhere he
went. He experienced rejection, beating, and arrest but did not give up.
God’s grace continually upheld and strengthened him.
He also wrote about personal suffering. Paul called this his thorn in
the flesh., which caused him great torment. Three times he asked God to
remove it but the Lord answered no. Why? Because the Lord said that His
grace was sufficient. It would provide what he needed to succeed. Grace
had already taken the apostle from condemned to forgiven and from
outsider to beloved as God’s child. Because he experienced the
undeserved love of God, this persecutor of Jewish believers became a
missionary spreading the good news about Jesus. The apostle declared
that he was content with weaknesses, insults, distresses, and
persecutions because he had experienced the Lord’s all sufficient
grace. He knew that God would continue to help him in every situation,
and that regardless of his circumstances, living in the favor and love
of God was enough.
Is this true for you today? Is God’s grace really enough? One sure
test that will help each of us as believers, understand where we stand
on the subject of God’s grace, is to measure how much or how often we
reach out to tell others about His grace. If we have experienced God’s
forgiveness of our sins, and the joy of living in His love and care,
surely we will want to share this good news with as many as we can.
However, I find that Satan has deceived many into believing no one will
hear us or no one wants to hear us talk about His love and His
salvation. The truth is, one of the greatest joys of being a Christian
is telling other what the Lord has done in our lives. We do not have to
be eloquent in speech, or quote verses of scriptures in order for God to
use our testimony. We only need to tell others what Jesus has done in
our life, and the joy we have in knowing all is well in our relationship
with Him. Do not focus on how others respond. Learn to find the joy of
obeying the Master’s will and fulfilling His purpose in our lives.
