Things God Wants You to Remember When Life is Hard
Dec 14, 2017 09:40:55 #
10/16/2017 5 Things God Wants You to Remember When Life is Hard
Dave Willis
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davewillis/5-things-god-wants-remember-life-hard/
Cancer. Divorce. Bankruptcy. Anxiety. Depression. Death. Loss. Failure. Setbacks. Rejection. Regrets. Pain. Life.
Last week, I was reminded of the heartbreaking struggles, difficulties and tragedies that so many people are facing. I officiated a funeral for a twenty-three-year-old woman who took her step father’s gun, walked into the woods and took her own life. The family’s grief is overwhelming, and they’re desperately searching for answers that may never come.
The next day I met with a dad whose teenage daughter is suffering with an eating disorder and his son just went through a breakup and had threatened to take his own life. This dad felt heartbroken and helpless. He’s willing to do anything to help his kids, but he wasn’t sure where to start.
Hours later, I met with a middle-aged man who has been haunted all his life by guilt because when he was twelve-years-old, he shot and killed his eleven-year-old brother. He feels that he could never get past the pain and guilt of that moment and he was now caught up in reckless behavior trying to numb his pain.
Behind forced smiles, so many people are carrying the weight of great pain.
The struggles might look different for each of us, but we’ve ALL had days (and maybe even years) when life just doesn’t seem to be going our way. We have all faced different levels of heartbreak, setbacks, disappointments, burnout, stress and sadness. We’ve all been tempted to lose hope.
I’ve had long seasons of life where I felt like nothing was working and everything was out of whack, and I’ve had frustrating days where I just can’t seem to get anything accomplished. Below are five things I’ve learned to remember in those challenging seasons of life that have helped me and I pray they help you as well!
Struggles in life are inevitable, but destruction is optional. Remembering these five principles can make all the difference…
1. Remember that your Character should always be stronger than your Circumstances.
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we choose to respond. In those moments when I choose to stop complaining and instead give thanks to God for the good in my life, the parts that seem bad start to seem much less significant. Choose to keep a positive attitude and thankful heart regardless of what you’re going through.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
#2 might not change your circumstances, but it could instantly change your perspective…
2. Remember that your Struggles always lead to Strength.
Every difficulty in your life, whether big or small, is something God will use to produce more strength, faith and perseverance in you if you let Him! All your pain has a purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
#3 is so important but it’s often the first thing we forget…
3. Remember that God’s timing is always perfect.
God’s plans are almost always different from our plans, but His plans are always perfect! Have the patience to wait on His timing instead of forcing your own.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
#4 will give you hope when you feel alone in your struggle…
4. Remember that God will never leave your side.
You may feel like you’re going through this struggle all alone, but from the moment you ask Jesus to bring you into God’s family, He will be by your side to the end so never lose hope!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
#5 will give you the hope to keep going…
5. You WILL get through this!
Never lose hope. Never give up. You will get through this. God will carry you through.
For more encouragement and tools to help you build a stronger faith and happier life, check out our free video on How to fix your life.
You can also get daily encouragement by “liking” my Facebook page or by connecting with me on twitter.
If this post encouraged you, please share it on social media so we can encourage others too!
Dave Willis
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davewillis/5-things-god-wants-remember-life-hard/
Cancer. Divorce. Bankruptcy. Anxiety. Depression. Death. Loss. Failure. Setbacks. Rejection. Regrets. Pain. Life.
Last week, I was reminded of the heartbreaking struggles, difficulties and tragedies that so many people are facing. I officiated a funeral for a twenty-three-year-old woman who took her step father’s gun, walked into the woods and took her own life. The family’s grief is overwhelming, and they’re desperately searching for answers that may never come.
The next day I met with a dad whose teenage daughter is suffering with an eating disorder and his son just went through a breakup and had threatened to take his own life. This dad felt heartbroken and helpless. He’s willing to do anything to help his kids, but he wasn’t sure where to start.
Hours later, I met with a middle-aged man who has been haunted all his life by guilt because when he was twelve-years-old, he shot and killed his eleven-year-old brother. He feels that he could never get past the pain and guilt of that moment and he was now caught up in reckless behavior trying to numb his pain.
Behind forced smiles, so many people are carrying the weight of great pain.
The struggles might look different for each of us, but we’ve ALL had days (and maybe even years) when life just doesn’t seem to be going our way. We have all faced different levels of heartbreak, setbacks, disappointments, burnout, stress and sadness. We’ve all been tempted to lose hope.
I’ve had long seasons of life where I felt like nothing was working and everything was out of whack, and I’ve had frustrating days where I just can’t seem to get anything accomplished. Below are five things I’ve learned to remember in those challenging seasons of life that have helped me and I pray they help you as well!
Struggles in life are inevitable, but destruction is optional. Remembering these five principles can make all the difference…
1. Remember that your Character should always be stronger than your Circumstances.
We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can always control how we choose to respond. In those moments when I choose to stop complaining and instead give thanks to God for the good in my life, the parts that seem bad start to seem much less significant. Choose to keep a positive attitude and thankful heart regardless of what you’re going through.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
#2 might not change your circumstances, but it could instantly change your perspective…
2. Remember that your Struggles always lead to Strength.
Every difficulty in your life, whether big or small, is something God will use to produce more strength, faith and perseverance in you if you let Him! All your pain has a purpose.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
#3 is so important but it’s often the first thing we forget…
3. Remember that God’s timing is always perfect.
God’s plans are almost always different from our plans, but His plans are always perfect! Have the patience to wait on His timing instead of forcing your own.
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
#4 will give you hope when you feel alone in your struggle…
4. Remember that God will never leave your side.
You may feel like you’re going through this struggle all alone, but from the moment you ask Jesus to bring you into God’s family, He will be by your side to the end so never lose hope!
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
#5 will give you the hope to keep going…
5. You WILL get through this!
Never lose hope. Never give up. You will get through this. God will carry you through.
For more encouragement and tools to help you build a stronger faith and happier life, check out our free video on How to fix your life.
You can also get daily encouragement by “liking” my Facebook page or by connecting with me on twitter.
If this post encouraged you, please share it on social media so we can encourage others too!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.