Is someone close to you going through a trial? A difficult patch, or even a prolonged period of suffering? And honestly, do you sometimes feel weighed down and even overwhelmed when you think about the trials and troubles of others around you? So much sickness. So much pain. So much suffering.
I have several loved ones going through extremely difficult times right now. Maybe like you, I sometimes (actually all of the time) feel inadequate to find the right words, or the right things to do to make it better. I pray and the situation does not improve. The hardship continues with no end in sight. What can I say to encourage my friend? I may begin to lose hope. What is God waiting for? Why doesn’t He answer? If I have nothing to hold on to I will begin slipping down into the dark hole of despair with my friend. Then we will be sitting in misery together. Both needing help. Both needing hope.
I confess I have recently been standing on the edge of that dark hole (with one foot beginning to slide). Faith under attack and weakening. Hope slipping away. But God has gently reminded me that he offers hope. He has answered.
In the Bible, God has chosen to reveal some of his ways, his nature and even his thoughts. He tells us what he is up to, not only in my life and yours, but also in the lives of those we are praying for. Here are just 3 of them. 3 firmly rooted truths we can hang on to in the disappointing, painful, and slippery times:
- God has a perfect plan for each of us. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
- God will complete the work he has begun in you and in your loved one. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
- God’s faithful love is never ending. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3
I can trust what God is doing in the life and heart of my friend, neighbor, child, parent, spouse, sister, brother. I pray these scriptures in faith. Even when I do not see what he is doing, I know he is true and just and believe that he is at work. He will do what he says he will do.
We learned this 5 Statement Pledge of Faith years ago, while taking part in a Beth Moore Bible study called “Believing God”. I find it helps to remember these truths when things begin to get murky and circumstances blur the reality of God’s hand at work. I hope something here will encourage you today. Love. Pray. Believe. Keep looking up!
God is who He says He is.
God can do what He says He can do.
I am who God says I am.
I can do all things through Christ.
God’s Word is alive and active in me.
I’m believing God!
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