Dealing with Difficult Circumstances
It is natural to go to God for comfort or relief from the difficult situations we face in this life. From strained relationships to life-changing tragedies we do not welcome strife. To know that God offers more than mere endurance is a powerful truth, one we too often overlook. We encourage you to continue to seek His comfort and strength; we also encourage you to not view the present situation as one which should only be endured until relief comes. We find contentment when we believe there is reason and purpose for our circumstances.

If you are a child of God, you know that your life belongs to God, and nothing can come into your life unless He allows it. Believe that with all your heart, and look about expectantly for what God is doing in you or through you. Review the stories of Joseph and Daniel. Both stories reveal marvelous works of God occurring in the suffering of His own. Look also at Paul. How many were won to a saving knowledge of Jesus because Paul did not wait for all issues to be resolved before he expected to be used; he was used where he was (Acts 16:22-36). And He was able to rejoice and be content regardless of what life brought (Philippians 4:11-13).

We know that you may be hurting, physically in pain, and tired of the battle. Turn from those things and look at the life of your dear Savior. He was led to the desert, tired, hungry, and scorched by the sun. Look at Him on the way to the cross, once again in pain--through no fault of His own. He understands your suffering, and He will not allow it to be wasted. "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

How might God work through you to bring healing to your situation? Are you willing to give up your "right" to sympathy in order to receive real peace, in order to become more like Christ? If so, we encourage you to lift your eyes to the Lord. How is God providing you with comfort and assurance of His care? He has promised to walk with you and to help you to bear this burden (Matthew 11:28). He promises that He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), and that He has work for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Your present days are part of that plan. Pray for solutions; but until they come, let every moment be used to glorify God and to make you more like Christ. "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:29).

May the God of comfort and peace be your daily strength according to His promise in Isaiah 41:10, which states: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

By The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

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Starting Point is our monthly class for those new to Brook Hills, or attenders who want to more about our mission and vision. Find out who we are, where we came from, and where we're headed. Starting Point is a prerequiste for membership at our church. More...