Tag: encouragement during difficultities

The Way of Peace

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It is not unusual for me to readjust my route when driving.  Sometimes, I will purposely take myself off the main thoroughfare to drive down nearby side streets and back roads, even if it means adding a few extra minutes to my commute.

Why?  To maintain my peace.  Sometimes I don’t want to deal with the congestion and contentions of the popular route.  I just want to drive home in an environment of less stress.

Stress is definitely at the top of many conversations.  The world we live in is so hurried and demanding, that living like it wants us to live is almost unrealistic.  Then, we throw in the relationships we are attached to, with their congestion and contentions, and we can get almost overwhelmed from maintaining them, let alone, finding peace in them.

Let’s talk about peace.

Before I go further into how to maintain the way of peace in your life, there’s something we need to know.  The Bible gives us a very clear command to persevere in peace but is also realistic in the fact that every relationship may not spawn peace.  It says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men,” (Romans 12:18). 

The words “if” and “possible” let us know that no matter how much you try, there may be others in the equation who opt not for peace.  That’s why Paul further explains, “as much as lieth in you.”  You can only do you and answer for you.  We cannot control the actions of others, but we can control our own actions.

If we are serious about learning how to deal with contentious people and situations and maintain a gentle, peaceful spirit, there are things we can try to incorporate into our lives today to foster the way of peace.

You don’t have to attend every argument that comes your way.

In 2 Timothy 2 it says, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men… in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves…” (vv. 24, 25).  In truth, disagreements and opposition will come.  Sometimes contentions will arise but that doesn’t mean we have to feed into it.

I’m new to the sourdough-making process and one thing I have learned is if you don’t properly feed your starter it won’t grow.  Strife cannot continue to grow if you do not feed it.  And yes, this will require a certain amount of self-control at times.  The wisdom we find in Proverbs tells us, “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife,” (Proverbs 15:18).  How we respond can either add fuel to the fire or snuff out the flames, it can help or hurt.  So, we must be prayerful about how we allocate our response or even if we are to respond at all.  While we cannot avoid every disagreement, and some things will need an answer, we must be sure that what is before us and what we are being drawn into is actually something that needs for us to attend.

Let love operate.

Proverbs 10:12 tells us, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins,” a truth that Peter echoes in 1 Peter 4:8.  When, not if, we encounter wrongs, what is our immediate reaction?  Is it to vent and billboard the offense all over town or instead of being reactive to defend and justify ourselves, do we choose to be proactive and approach the situation with control and a sound heart of love?

Often, we forget the frailty of humanity.  Not only have we been wronged, but in our lives, there have been times when we have wronged others.  And if the shoe were on the other foot, we would not want our mistakes plastered on a wall for the whole world to see.

This is a great fallacy with the rise of social media.  People expose people, not only between individuals but for the whole world to see.  That kind of hurt is hard to come back from.  What should have been handled as private business (see Matthew 18:15) under the premise of love, now has other voices and opinions in the mix.

Only under certain circumstances do others need to be included (see Matthew 18:16, 17), and even then, as much as possible, is it to be done in a controlled and loving way: “He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends,” (Proverbs 17:9). 

Remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (vv. 4-7)

Choosing to operate in love will foster peace in our own lives.

Be still and know God. 

The psalmist encourages us to, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10).  When a storm threatened the ship, and the disciples were afraid, Jesus woke and spoke, “Peace, be still,” (Mark 4:39).

Remember that phrase we discussed earlier, “As much as lieth with you?”  Even if you have chosen to refuse the invitation to the argument, and even if you have sought diligently to operate in love in the handling of the matter, sometimes that still will not bring the solution of peace you were looking for.  What do you do then?

You still yourself before God and find your peace in Him and not in whether the circumstances are reaching the conclusion you thought they should.

Jesus shut the mouth of the storm with a word of peace.  And we can shut down some stuff too when we get still and get with God who is to be the center of our peace.

In a world of noise, busyness, and chaos, the word stillness can be a beautiful respite from their loud demands.  It beckons us to draw near to the quiet place of our confidence found in God alone.

Above all else, when everything around us fails, God does not.  It is in Him we find our hope and consolation.  We have peace in Him even if things on the outside do not seem to be working out right.

“Know that I am God.”  There is so much in that statement alone, but one thing I want to point out is that the stillness we referred to earlier is not passive.  Here we see, that for us to “know” God, there must be an active pursuit of Him.  We are not sitting with our arms crossed and inactive.  No, we are drawing nearer to Him, to know Him, to pursue Him.

Concerning the way of peace, the closer we get to God the more peace we will find, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace,” (1 Corinthians 14:33).  The more we draw nearer to understanding just who He is, the magnanimous impact of Him overshadows everything else.

Yahweh.  The LORD.  “I AM THAT I AM.”  When we still ourselves before the truth of Him, we soon develop an intuitive knowing and trust that we cannot find anywhere else, and it covers us with a cloak of peace – comforting you and strengthening you to maintain your peace in the middle of your storm.  It lets you know that not only do you not fight in this alone, but there are instances where you don’t have to fight at all because I choose to let the winds howl and the waves crash while I sit still in the peace of who God is in my life.  That is my response, and no further response is needed – for God is my peace. 

Counter to our culture, peace does not have to be elusive.  But we will have to do some things to maintain the way of peace in our lives.  “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another,” (Romans 14:19).  And remember:

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.” Mark 9:50

And,

“The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

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The Strong Hand of God

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The prophet Jeremiah faced much opposition.  As the mouthpiece of God during his time, adversity and sorrow of heart were with him.  He faced many troubles because of the message he carried, yet even in that, his heart was burdened with sorrow for his people, for those who refused the message.

In Jeremiah 15:21, God comforts Jeremiah with words that are meant to boost his confidence and encourage his faith during the difficulties he is dealing with.  For in times of suffering and conflict, we all need a reassuring word, one like God told the prophet, saying, “And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.” 

The word “hand” here speaks regarding the trouble that laid hold of Jeremiah’s life due to the stuff he endured from those who were contrary to him and the message he carried.

But Jeremiah’s message was more than the words we see recorded in the pages of history, the words that inform us of his trouble and work.  In the story of his life, we see God speaking past what he was going through, past the enemy’s grip, to reassure him of his deliverance and rescue.  While it may seem like he is overcome by adversities and grasped by the hand of the enemy, God lets him know that His power is mightier, His will is greater, and His hand is stronger than anything or anyone who rises against any of His beloved ones.

We see a similar reassuring promise written to Israel, saying, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” Isaiah 41:10. 

Where the enemy has his hand, God reminds us that His hand is greater.  Where the enemy seeks to knock people down, God says, with My hand, I will uphold.

God will never be without the power and authority to help, heal, and save His people!

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” Isaiah 59:1

“Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is thy hand, and high is thy right hand.” – Psalm 89:13

“Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.” – Exodus 15:6

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” – Isaiah 41:13

“Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” – Jeremiah 32:17

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.” – Psalm 138:7

“My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” – John 10:29

We are always safe in the strong hand of God!

Christ is Our Life

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“ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:4

Presence is powerful and so is present. He whose presence is presently with you is our powerful force to lean upon through life’s challenges and adversities.

When I hear the word “is,” I see it as a fact, and I see it as present, whatever is being referred to.  Reading in the first part of Colossians 3:4, the words, “Christ, who is our life…” stuck out to me, begging me to do a further investigation because “Christ is our life”, is #1, a fact, and #2, the reality of it is very true right now.

Often, the threatening tides that arise from storms in this life have a way of overwhelming people.  But when people are secure in truth, how much better they will be when riding through the uncertainties of life?

Because situations and circumstances may entertain thoughts of uncertainty, there is one thing we can be rock solid sure of, and that is if you are a believer in Christ, and your life is hidden with Him (Colossians 3:3), then He is fact and presently your life today.  There is no variance in this truth.  There are no ifs and buts.  Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6).  He is our life!

This is so important for us to get into our hearts.  We will not escape this life without being challenged by hurts, pain, disappointments, and trials.  Jesus assured us they will come (John 16:33; see also 1 Peter 4:12).  It is what we decide to do with them that matters.  It is the filter we use to process them that will make all the difference.

I must confess, I am an avid coffee drinker.  Through my years of enjoying this simple pleasure, I have had incidents with certain filters that tried to ruin the experience of my morning cup.  These filters didn’t strain the coffee in the way I was accustomed to.  Which is but one of the reasons I normally don’t order coffee out.  I, 99% of the time (give or take), will make my own because I am very specific about how I want my cup to taste (admittedly, I do pack a coffee machine and coffee in my luggage when I travel because I want to make it myself, the way I like it).

For our lives and the challenges we face, we need to be even more specific.  Our filter of choice matters because it will help you to clear out what is not true so that you can enjoy the pureness of what is.  Knowing that Christ is our life, allowing that truth to separate fact from fiction, will help us to endure challenging times because it is not only again, fact, but it also assures us it is our present truth.

In the middle of hardships, both things are difficult to see and remember.  Troubles can be like walking through thick fog where it’s challenging to see clearly, so you become disoriented about the truth of your position.  But again, Jesus speaks, “I am the way, the truth, and the life…”

He is our life.  That’s our position now that we are in Him.  Everything we hope for today and tomorrow in the believer’s life is founded and based upon the truth that Jesus Christ is our Lord.  He is the filter through which we must process every experience, every high and low.  The Apostle Paul verified this by saying, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). 

Because of what Christ has done on the cross.  Because of this life of faith that we now are secured in – everything, every challenge, every adversity, has Christ as our filter because He is our life.  Whatever speaks against that ultimate truth is a lie.

If you have had the experience of being saved and making Jesus Christ Lord of your life, then yes, you may still face difficult days, but what those days appear like will not always be how it is.  The Bible tells us, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). 

We can stand boldly today because we know upon Whom we stand: Jesus, the Savior of our life and our soul.  Let Him be the light you look to, and the hope you rest upon every day. 

“For in him we live, and move, and have our being…” (Acts 17:28).  “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:9, 10). 

Jesus is the answer for our salvation, our help, our healing, our worries, and our woes (John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Philippians 4:6-7; Matthew 4:23-24; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 5:7; John 14:1; Matthew 11:28-30).  He is our life and the unshakable hope upon which we stand.  That is a right now fact.

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” – 1 John 5:11

“For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:17

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” – John 1:4

“Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.” – John 14:19

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” – John 10:10

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” – 1 John 5:12

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” – John 20:31

When God Turns It Around

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To appreciate a good turnaround story, you must first appreciate the history behind the story.  For the returning captives, their story is simple, and yet, not so simple.

In a short simple version: they sinned (repeatedly), ignored warnings (often), and as a result they went into captivity to serve their years of their disciplinary sentence.  After the allotted time, they were released to return home and rebuild.  Rebuild their homes, their lives, and their worship.  And so, it came to pass.

The not-so-simple version shows in detail many behind-the-scenes factors that came into play for them to get from point A to point B. 

One fascinating factor was Cyrus himself, who was prophesied by name some 100 years before as the one who would initiate this returning plan before they even went into captivity.  It was his decree, which he gave credit to God, for instructing and supporting the return. 

By and by, they faced setbacks, the authority of the kings was transferred, and enemies consistently interrupted the work, instigating trouble for the people to halt their rebuilding efforts (Ezra 4). 

Even the complacency of the once-captive people who were now experiencing freedom settled in until they were encouraged once again to get on with rebuilding (Ezra 5:1; Haggai 1).

And build they did, but of course, this progress once again incited trouble.  So, those who were set on discouraging the work appealed to the now, King Darius, to investigate this matter of rebuilding in hopes of stopping it again as before. 

But God used their unrighteous complaint to propel the work forward in a way quite unexpectantly to the people and enemies alike.  What the enemy meant for evil, God made something good out of it.  He performed a complete turnaround from the enemy’s expectations, as Darius’ response indicates:

“Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.

And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.” – Ezra 6:6-12

When God does a turnaround, support can be found in unlikely places.  In this story, it was through a pagan king, and eventually, the very enemies that instigated the matter were forced into a position of giving assistance and help to the people.

The king’s command was set, and it would not be altered – they were to leave it alone.  Leave the people alone.  Leave the work alone.  Stop getting in the way and let the house of God be built.

The Bible reminds us, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.  The seasons of adversity, challenge, and change are never a season where God is taken off guard.  When the Lord is on our side, He, being the Sovereign Rule overall –  really think about this point, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US? 

They may come.  They may form weapons.  They may hatch plans.  They may try to discourage your efforts.  Ultimately, it is God who will have the last say. 

Enemies can only go as far as He gives them permission (Job 1), and even then, they must stay in the confines of the limits the Lord places upon them.  And if He commands it, as we see in the story above, they could even be forced to further His work whether they like it or not. 

With God on our side, we are never a product of our circumstances.  Circumstances can only tally up so much in our lives, but when the Lord is ready to turn it around, it shall be turned and there is nothing that anyone, anywhere can do about it.

Friends, no matter how discouraging the journey may be toward your turnaround, be encouraged today in the God who is on your side.  Be encouraged that the times and seasons are at His command and disposal.  Be encouraged that whatever you face, this too shall pass because ultimately, our heavenly Father is in charge and when He turns it around, it will be turned around.  

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A Fruitful Prayer

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23

Dear Lord, help me to produce this fruit in my life today.  There is a harvest of goodness and love, joy and gentleness, peace and longsuffering, faith, meekness, and temperance I desire my life to bring forth in abundance.  I want my life to touch people beautifully with Your beautiful Spirit within me.  In my shortness and frustrations, help me to remember the fruit that grows on Your tree.  When I don’t understand everything, help me to remember to use the same grace and mercy You have shown me.  Let my heart and my actions speak louder than my words today.  I desire to live like You want me to live and produce in my life those things that put a smile on Your face.  In Jesus’ name, I pray, AMEN!

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Extend Your Reach

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“And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched.” Luke 8:43, 44

Lord, I pray today that someone, somewhere would grab ahold of that hem of truth and love and be saved.  I pray for a desperate heart to push through the issue to find You.  I pray for a seeking heart to not care about the crowds around but only desire to be where You are. You hold the answer to every ailment this life can bring.

Some things hurt.  Others, we can’t figure it out.  In many places, men have looked for the answer and found none except they extend their reach to You. 

He sees what this life brings.  The innermost thoughts of our hearts and minds, the questioning and concerns, God knows all about it.  He is the One who is “acquainted with all my [our] ways” (Psalm 139:3, “our” added).  So, my friend, it is with great confidence that you can reach out to Him.  The same issue that drove you to seek Him is the same issue that can be healed.  The same issue that tries to hold you back in shame is the same issue that can receive deliverance. No matter the case or reason, reach out to Jesus, for He is the only answer you will ever need.

Copyright © Word For Life Says.com articles/lessons/worksheets may not be copied or redistributed without the express written permission of WordforLifeSays.com.  Please see the COPYRIGHT PAGE for more details.  Blessings to you.

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Where the Answer Is Found

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Questions, we all have them. But where do we go for the answers?

When Daniel went before King Nebuchadnezzar to interpret his dream, he admitted his own human frailty, that he didn’t have the answer within himself. He said, “This secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living,” (Daniel 2:30). He did not consider himself anything special just because he could interpret dreams, instead he gave glory to God, and said, “Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever” (Daniel 2:20a), and then directed those in attendance to where the answer is truly found: “for wisdom and might are his,” Daniel said, speaking of the one and only true living God (2:20b; emphasis added).

Friends, are you struggling to try and figure it out? The answer to anything we need is found in God. In the Bible and throughout this life, we have seen many that rely on multiple things to provide the answer to their life struggles or for direction. Some have turned to idols, other people, or even themselves for the solutions to the help they need.

All those attempts are futile when we consider Psalm 46:1 gives this promise to us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Proverbs also encourage us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Job, through the hardest times of life, gives us this testimony: “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him. . .” (Job 13:15). In his foundation of faith, he may not have understood everything he was going through, but he understood that there was no greater help than the help that is found in God, who, “With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding” (Job 12:13). There is no other answer; there is no other trust for him and us to lean upon.

Where are you looking for answers today? I encourage you to look to God, for He is where your answers can be found. Keep coming to Him, and don’t stop!

Come to Him in prayer, and seek His face.

Come to Him through His Word, and learn what He has to say.

Come to Him with a heart opened and ready to receive His divine truths for your life.

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You Are Not the Only One

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You are seen. You are heard. You are not alone.

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“. . . knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” 1 Peter 5:9

Sadness.  Sorrow.  Pain.  Sickness.  Disappointment with others.  Disappointment with yourself.  Hurt.  Betrayal, and more, can make anyone feel like they are living on an isolated island of despair.  While others may be physically near, the trials and troubles we encounter in this world can often make people feel alone, as if they are the only ones going through anything adverse or hard at the moment.

But the truth is, no matter the smile that splits across a face, and no matter how a social media post may read, people, every day, are suffering behind the façade.  Some are excellent at grinning and bearing it, while others will show you only what they want you to see.  Different people handle their different circumstances in different ways, but it does not mean they are not going through hardship or dealing with adversity.

It is easy to feel alone in the midst of trials.  The enemy would like nothing more than for you to think this way because when we feel alone, we tend to pull back into hiding, and we pull back our trust.  We don’t share with others what we are going through, carrying the burden and the weight of the moment on our own shoulders.

The beauty of the Bible is it does not hold back.  It shows us the good and the bad and lets us know the reality that comes with this life, that whether they show it or not, there are perhaps others around you who are experiencing afflictions of their own.

Jesus gave us no illusion that every day would be an awesome experience.  He said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation . . .” (John 16:33; emphasis mine).  We may not like to say or think about it, but there may be some things that come your way that will not put a smile on your face.  It may even leave you wondering, crying, “Why is this happening to me?”

While the words “you are not the only one” may not make you personally feel better, know that any affliction you face for your Lord will come with a promise that you are not alone (Hebrews 13:5).  It comes with grace and strength to say, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

In times of personal pain, all of this may be hard to digest.  And I, for one, never want to brush off the realness of what others are going through.  But I do hope to encourage you, dear blessed one, that you are seen, you are heard, you are not alone regardless of what it feels like, and you matter so much to our heavenly Father.

What you are going through is not a trivial thing and we are not brushing it under the rug of Scripture or a well-placed verse.  But I personally pray that your heart will be full, knowing God’s love for you, and knowing the body of Christ is rooting for you.  We love you, dear one, and God loves you more.

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