Trusting in the lord during difficult times

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5 (NIV)

Horrified, I placed the phone back in its charger. My mind reeled. What could I say to one of my dearest friends after this new tragedy had struck? First, she experienced the loss of a fourteen-year-old son to brain cancer. Now her eldest son, only eighteen, had been discovered mugged and murdered. Incomprehensible.

She asked, “Why?” I had no answer other than, “I don’t know, but I cling to the factual knowledge that God is good, regardless. Tragedies in this life are beyond our understanding this side of heaven.”

I believe Jesus is good, and that knowledge sings from the depths of my soul. This nugget of truth is more precious than life itself to me. We have been taught and recognize that faith is not something we can necessarily see, hear, feel, taste, or touch. It is stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God—regardless of how we feel emotionally. The Bible explains, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV).

The true story of Horatio G. Spafford demonstrates this type of faith in God’s goodness. Spafford wrote the familiar hymn, “It is Well with My Soul” in 1872 after his four daughters drowned, soon after his own financial bankruptcy. He, somehow, held onto the fact that despite the outward circumstances, God was good. He wrote, “And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight.” He knew that his faith was not in vain, and that someday he would see the meaning and purpose of all the tragedy surrounding his life at that moment.

For myself I think my greatest lesson of faith has been in the acknowledgement that God is good—all the time. Oswald Chambers wrote, “Faith by its very nature must be tested and tried. And the real trial of faith is not that we find it difficult to trust God, but that God’s character must be proven trustworthy in our own minds.”

There will always be moments of uncertainty. I find comfort in the words written by David Jeremiah in My Heart’s Desire:

You may sometimes feel awkward and uncomfortable, and find yourself saying, “Is this really true? I don’t see anything in it. I don’t hear God’s voice. I don’t feel His presence.” There are days like that for all of us. The pursuit of God has no shortcuts. You simply must keep walking, keep seeking, and keep yearning. Keep at it, and you won’t be disappointed.

God is good, even as I mourn with my friend. I have witnessed her grief, anger, and doubt. But throughout the passing months, I have watched her cling to Jesus with hands wet with tears. My friend believes God is good all the time even when she can’t feel it with her emotions. Her faith rests in the fact, “The Lord is good and his love endures forever.”

Dear Lord, grant me the faith to know that You are good all the time, even during the most difficult circumstances of this life. When I am weak, lift me up. Enable me to accept the love and comfort from others who love me, but let me rely on Your everlasting love for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

Trials for Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life by Janet Eckles

Visit Susanne’s blog

If you are in the Dallas metro area, you’re invited to be in the studio audience for the appearance of P31’s own Lysa TerKeurst on the LIFE Today show with James & Betty Robison, one week from today on May 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets are free, but you must reserve your seat. Call 817-354-3655 or email [email protected]. The studios are located at 1801 West Euless Boulevard, Euless, Texas 76040.

Application Steps:Memorize one of the Power Verses below to repeat and remind yourself of God’s goodness during difficult times in your life.

Reflections:What situations in my life do I feel are out of my faith-comfort zone? Do I believe that God is good all the time?

Power Verses:

Psalms 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”(NIV)

Deuteronomy 31:8, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (NIV)

Psalms 27:5, “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

proverbs31.org

A week or so ago I put together a massive post with well over a hundred bible verses about money and talked about how we need to make sure that we always put God first in our lives before money – and everything else.

We can easily allow money to become our master, and God can quickly move to the background if we’re not careful.

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. Matthew 6:24

One thing that occurred to me in the midst of listing all those verses, however, is that I never really touched on a topic that seems to be especially important right now in the midst of a double dip recession when so many people are having a hard time.  The idea of looking to God for strength in the midst of hard times.

Bible Verses About Strength

Today I decided to bring together some encouraging and challenging verses talking about how and where we need to find strength in the midst of turbulent times. I hope you find them uplifting as well.

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Where Do We Find Strength?

Where do we find our strength? In the Lord our God!

Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Isaiah 41:10 So 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.

Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. This is my God, and I will praise him—  my father’s God, and I will exalt him!

Psalm 9:9-10 The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

Psalm 34:10b Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Isaiah 26: 3-4 Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord God you have an everlasting rock.

1 Chronicles 16:11  Seek the LORD and his strength;  seek his presence continually!

Psalm 32:7-8 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

Exodus 33:14 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.

Deuteronomy 31:8 It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.

Psalm 34:17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles.

Isaiah 30:15 In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.

Don’t Worry Or Fear, Find Your Strength In Him

It can be so easy to give into worry, fear and despair, but with Him we can find strength, and look forward to wonderful things.  He gives us hope!

Isaiah 43:1-3 Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord you God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Luke 12:25-26 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? 26 Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?

Philippians 4:6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Psalm 34:4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 27: 1-3 The LORD is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me,it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear;though war break out against me,even then I will be confident.

Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 145: 18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

God Gives Us A Spirit Of Strength And Power

Through faith in Christ we are given a spirit of power, love and discipline, and for that reason we have nothing to fear.  We can hold onto his promises and be confident that he’ll see us through even the darkest of days.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Psalm 138:3 When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.

Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 112: 1, 7-8 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid.

Psalm 91:1-2 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust.”

Psalm 112: 1, 7-8 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid.

Hard Times May Come, But He’s There With Us Through Them All

Though we aren’t promised an easy life, we are told that Christ will be there with us when we believe in Him, that he won’t give us more than we can handle with His help,  and even our hard times can be used to glorify God.

2 Corinthians 12:9 My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

Philippians 4: 12-13 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation . . . . I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Isaiah 40:29 He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

1 Peter 5: 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Hebrews 4:16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.

 Strength In Christ Our Lord And Savior

As the verses above illustrate, we’re told to call on Jesus Christ, and that he will hear us and give us strength, hope and a grace sufficient to carry us through.  He will be our ever present help when we’re in need, and he can give us a peace that passes all understanding.  For me that’s extremely encouraging.

How about you?  Do you have any favorite bible verses about strength, and where you can find it? Did one of the verses above stick out more than the others for you?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

Want to find more verses on Strength in the Bible and don’t have your own? Get a free Bible.

• Bible Verses About Money
• Bible Verses About Faith
• Bible Verses About Hope
• Bible Verses About Investing
• Bible Verses of Encouragement
• Bible Verses About How To Get Rich Quick
• Bible Verses About Contentment
• Bible Verses About Thanksgiving & Appreciation
• Bible Verses About Worry
• Bible Verses About Overcoming Adversity, Struggles And Hardship
• Bible Verses About Wealth

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Having faith in God during difficult times can be incredibly hard. Excruciating. Even physically painful.

But I want to testify that trusting God in difficult times (even finding joy through trials!) is possible for any of us.

I know because my husband and I have had to trust God through hard times on several occasions:

• chronic illness in marriage,
• scary health issues with our kids,
• intense parenting battles,
• miscarriage, and so many more.

And today, I want to teach you the practical insights I’ve learned so that you can stay strong during this trial and trust God despite the difficulties!

I want to show you that yes, it is possible to have HOPE and JOY when you’re trusting God through a difficult time.

In case you think it’s easy for me to share about this topic because our family is no longer walking through those trials, I want you to know that we’re currently battling unemployment.

And we have been unemployed for over 17 months now.

Yes, seventeen very long months of no income. It hasn’t been easy (and what we learned a long time ago when we paid off 100K in debt is really coming in handy).

But we’re being blessed with many priceless spiritual treasures as we’re learning about trusting God during difficult times.

Unspeakably amazing gifts of God that we would not have received any other way than to walk through this trial.

I want to share with you what we’ve learned about having faith in God through difficult times. Because, truly, God does have a wonderful purpose for these challenging situations.

How to Trust God During Difficult Times

If you’re going through an intense trial, I’m not here to give you simple Christian platitudes or to  promise that you can avoid the pain of a trial.

But, oh, how I want to help you to discover supernatural joy, contentment–even peace!–while you’re caught in the storm.

That ability to thrive (and not just survive) a trial is founded on three principles that we’ve discovered as we’ve learned about trusting God through difficult times.

Principle #1: We must take responsibility for what we choose to savor.

To explain this principle, I want to share a simple scene from my life.

Tonight I watched the sunset. I watched the sun dip lower and lower behind a silhouetted mountain crest and then—just like that!—it disappeared.

I can’t remember the last time I did that. And yet, the sun does it every day.

As I sat there savoring the last glimmers of sunlight, I asked myself:

What have I been stopping to savor in place of moments like these?

And the answer was clear: I’ve stopped too many times to savor the wrong things.

Like the fears of the future. Like the utter agony of being broken–again and again–by this trial.

How about you? Are you guilty of this too from time to time?

Let me tell you–if we allow our thoughts to habitually linger on the “what ifs,” we will cripple our ability to trust God during hard times.

I mean, it’s understandable that we struggle with this! Friends, we get lost in the sorrow. We wander in the future without God (a place we were never intended to go) because it’s really difficult to trust God through a trial!

We play those damaging “what if” thoughts over and over. Not because they are good, but, honestly, because sometimes it feels good to feel sorry for ourselves. And maybe we somehow feel that meditating on the “what ifs” brings a bit more control to the chaos.

But the problem is that the longer we hang out here the more familiar the thoughts become.

When we allow these thoughts to dominate we create a stagnant, spiritual “soil” in our minds that make it difficult to really have faith in God during hard times.

What are you choosing to savor today, and how is that affecting your ability to trust God through this trial?

Principle #2: We must quiet our lives so that we can discover (and savor) the quiet undercurrents of joy.

Why don’t we spend more time savoring the good? Well, the pain is easier to discover, especially when we overcrowd our hectic lives with activity.

These tiny treasures aren’t loud and obnoxious, and maybe that’s why we so easily miss them. They speak softly—so softly that its easy to wonder if they’re even there.

They get crowded out in the mad jumble of a hurried life.

That’s why it is in the quiet and stillness that we can see them appear—like rabbits that suddenly materialize on a grassy field at twilight. We see them when we slow down enough to notice their presence.

When I’m enduring a trial I have to regularly quiet my heart: to let out the surge of emotion that’s building; and to allow God to replenish my soul with reminders of the beauty that is happening in my little world.

I write them down (usually in a pretty journal like this one) and savor the lovely little treasures of goodness that are present:

• The way my husband and I always hold hands in bed before going to sleep;
• How my nine-year-old lights up when I ask if she’d like a cup of tea;
• My five-year-old’s adorable furrowed brow when he’s confused about something;
• The way all six of us snuggle in bed as we read a bedtime story;
• The always-happy-to-see-me greeting from my two faithful Labradors;
• My twelve-year-old’s dedicated work ethic (which reminds me of his father);
• The “mystery” card left on my pillow that said, “I love you mom. Thank you for giving up your life to teach me.”
• That moment in the car last weekend when I got to remind my son (who had tears of repentance on his cheeks while we looked up Bible verses together) that yes, he was absolutely forgiven.

I choose to savor these moments, like I’d savor a fine piece of cheese or an exquisitely-flavored chocolate truffle.

These are priceless gifts from God—rich and decadent treasures that are not meant to be gobbled up but to be remembered over and over. These are nourishment and hope during the most difficult times.

What would your list look like? What good things can you savor instead of the bad?

Principle #3: Release your fears to God and choose to savor His replenishing promises.

There’s a well-known Bible verse that many Christians quote during a trial:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

This is a beautiful verse, but I believe many miss the true power of this verse because they stop at verse 7. They pray to God, telling him about their needs and releasing their fears as outlined above (verses 6-7).

But then the fear creeps in.  Suddenly God’s peace feels far away because they’ve forgotten to habitually replenish ourselves with God’s promises.

Check out the admonition in the subsequent verses (Philippians 4:8-9):

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”

I’ve bolded those sections because I believe they are the final missing piece to how we discover joy in trials.

First, we must acknowledge and release our fears. Then, once we have this clean slate, we must regularly “fix our thoughts” (which sounds a whole lot like “savoring,” don’t you think?) on those things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.

I’ve found that when I take this seriously–meaning, when I really do regularly choose to savor these gifts and promises from God–it is so much easier for me to discover joy in a trial.

Our family is enduring a huge trial right now and honestly, I have my list of these things in Evernote so that I can access them regularly from my phone and tablet. Whenever I’m tempted to let my thoughts wander into the dark places, I confess my fears again to God and meditate on these truths:

• It’s true that God is working out all these difficulties into a beautiful future for me.
• He’s given me an honorable husband who cherishes me and longs to provide for our family.
• It’s right that we have so many friends and family who are praying for us daily.
• I get to spend my days around little children with pure hearts who see the world innocent and full of promise.

And the list goes on.

What can you choose to “fix your thoughts” on during a trial so that you can maintain a spirit of joy?

God Will Provide As You Trust Him Through the Hard Times

One truth we’ve seen proven over and over as we trust God through hard times: God is faithful. 100 percent.

He has provided and will continue to provide for us (and for you as you trust God in your difficult time).

It may sound cliche, but really, one of God’s best gifts to us through this trial is that we’re learning what it really means to count it all joy.

And a personal relationship with Christ is the only way to have that kind of unshakeable joy through all circumstances (you can read more about that here).

Want to Stay Strong Through This Trial? Here’s Your Next Step

Speaking of a personal relationship with God, the BEST way to stay strong during a difficult trial is to spend time each day growing closer to God.

Practically speaking, what does that look like?

It means reading God’s word and applying it to your life. As you read the Bible (and truly allow it to become part of who you are) the Holy Spirit opens your heart to godly wisdom and brings comfort and healing.

That’s why I want to give you a SIMPLE, EASY way to grow closer to God through daily Bible study.

I’ve developed an easy Bible study method that teaches you a simple process for reading, understanding and applying Bible verses to your life. It’s called the 5Rs Bible Study™ Method (you can learn about it here).

And I’ve written two amazing Bible studies that use the 5Rs Bible Study™ Method to help you discover real joy and God’s love for you!

(I’m guessing that you could use a hefty dose of God’s love and joy right now?) 🙂

Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study Journal

With over 30 joy bible verses, this amazing joy Bible study answers the 6 biggest questions about finding joy in everyday life, including:

• Where can we find true happiness & lasting joy?
• How do I know that God has good, joy-filled plans for me?
• How can I choose joy during life’s trials?
• How can I find joy when I don’t feel joyful?
• How can I trust God to turn my trials into joyful blessings?
• How can joy grow in my heart when life is always hard?

In only 6 weeks (and in less than 10 minutes a day), you’ll uncover real joy through this difficult trial by addressing the biggest obstacles to joy.

This Bible study journal is perfect for anyone who’s going through a trial and needs to find REAL joy!

Be Loved 5Rs Bible Study Journal

Knowing that you are loved changes everything when we’re walking through a trial.

You may believe on a surface level that you are loved by God, but let me tell you, going through a hard time is usually the time when we begin to question God’s love.

We wonder, “How in the world can He love me and let this happen to me?”
If you’re asking these kinds of questions, I highly encourage you to check out this amazing journal!

In only 6 weeks (and in less than 10 minutes a day), this Bible study will show you HOW to discover God’s gift of unconditional love as you get answers to the most common questions that keep us from His love:

• Is there a loving God? If so, what’s it like to be loved by Him?
• Where is God’s love during hard times?
• How can God’s love bring me everyday joy and peace?
• How can I best experience God’s love?
• How does God’s love free me to reach my fullest potential?
• How do I know that God always loves me?

If you’re questioning God’s love (or wonder if He’s abandoned you during this awful time), this Bible study is exactly what you need!

Get the Tools You Need to Stay Strong During This Trial

I know you didn’t just come here for a list of feel-good phrases and a few Bible verses, right?

You want change. You want God to show you how to stay strong during this difficult time.

Although I don’t know the unique situation you’re in, I know for a fact that God is MORE THAN ABLE to help you through this.

But you have to do your part. You have to make a commitment to stay close to Him.

You have to choose to spend time with Him, allowing Him to teach you about His unshakeable joy and peace.

You need to lean fully on Him so that He can give you the strength to endure.

You can’t just read the words in this post and click away and hope things change.

You have to take action. You have to bring these truths into your life.

That’s why today I highly encourage you to get either the Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study Journal or the Be Loved 5Rs Bible Study Journal (or both!).

These amazing Bible studies are exactly what you need right now to stay strong through this difficult trial.

You need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are fully and completely loved by God (and the Be Loved 5Rs Bible Study™ Journal will help you discover that truth like never before).

And at the same time, you also need to know how to access that supernatural joy that only He can provide (the Joy Full 5Rs Bible Study™ Journal will help you remove any barriers you have to finding joy right now).

Listen, friend, I’ve walked these same difficult roads and I know how AWFUL it can be to deal with tragedy and heartbreak.

You need God’s healing touch in your life to not only give you the strength to keep going but to bring clarity, purpose and growth through this time.

Make the Choice to Turn This Broken Season Into One of Spiritual Blessing

Some of my greatest moments of spiritual growth have come during my toughest trials!

But that growth only came because I chose to spend time studying the Bible each day, trusting that God would give me the insight I needed.

Bible study–a time of deep connection with God–is exactly what you need right now.

And, day-by-day, these 5Rs Bible Study Journals are designed to teach you how to grow closer to God.

They’ll show you exactly what to study each day, slowly allowing God’s life-changing wisdom to change you from the insight out (and give you the strength and stamina you need for trusting God through this difficult time).

Won’t you take that step today? Why not pick up one or both of these journals right now?

You’ve got nothing to lose! Let these journals transform this difficult time into a season of beautiful spiritual growth!

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About Alicia Michelle

Alicia Michelle, author, speaker and online mentor at Your Vibrant Family, is passionate about helping women discover God’s unique, amazing purpose for their lives as mothers, wives and daughters of God. In addition, Alicia is the creator of the 5Rs Bible Study™ Method which is a simple plan for anyone to understand and apply biblical truth in under 10 minutes a day as part of a daily Bible time. Alicia also writes at ChristCenteredHolidays.com where she shares practical strategies for Christian families who want to make Christ the center of their holiday celebrations. Connect with Alicia at [email protected]

vibrantchristianliving.com

“As a child of God, you ought to expect God to answer your prayers. Do you ask God to do something without adjusting your life to what you are praying? If you are praying for revival, how are you preparing for its coming? If you are praying for forgiveness, are you still living with guilt? If you have asked God to provide for your needs, do you remain worried and anxious? Ask God to increase your faith, and then begin living a life that reflects absolute trust in Him.” Henry Blackaby

Dear intercessors,

We all want God to answer our prayers. We believe in the power of prayer, but when it comes down to our own individual lives and our own problems, we often don’t have the faith to believe God will answer. The times we are living in are difficult. We are often trapped by our unbelief and fear, but God is preparing us for the end-time harvest. He wants to enlarge our territory. He wants to bless us with increase, because His nature is to care and bestow divine favor on us.

We are the ones who limit Him because of our lack of trust and our fear of stepping out in faith. The truth is that the things we do for God should be outside of our own ability and should be trusting in His supernatural ability. When we back away from dependence and trust in God, we are not living by faith. He wants us to trust and obey His Word. He wants us to be strong and courageous. We need to be willing to attempt things big enough that unless God’s steps in, we are sure to fail. This is the kind of trust and dependence He is looking for in our life. We need not be shaken. He can break through every obstacle. He is the God of the impossible!

A Prayer for Trusting God in Hard Times

Lord, I thank You that You are the God of the impossible. You can do anything. I want to trust in Your ability and not my own. Teach me to see difficulties in my life from Your perspective. Help me to focus on You and Your power. I want to be like Joshua and Caleb who believed in a good report and focused on You even in hard circumstances (Numbers 14:7-9). My responsibility is to carefully read, trust, and obey Your Word. Today I bring before You this difficulty in my life . Help me not to fear but to trust You in this situation. I declare my faith in Your ability to fulfill Your promises to me. You will fight for me and win the battles in my life. You are mighty, powerful, righteous and true.  

I have nothing to fear with You on my side. I will be strong and courageous even in hard times. I will not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord my God will be with me wherever I go (Joshua 1:9). You will never leave me or forsake me (Joshua 1:5). I do not need to figure everything out. You already know the best plan for my life. I will not try any man-made method to do only what You can do. Show me Your supernatural power. Teach me how to walk by faith and pray breakthrough prayers. I choose to have faith in Your ability to break through every obstacle in my life. Just like Joshua, You will give me the land and every place where my feet step (Joshua 1:3). “Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I do not trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever” (Psalm 44:5-8).
 

“Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:5-11). In Jesus name, amen.“Faith does the impossible because it lets God undertake for us, and nothing is impossible for God. How great – without qualification or limitation – the power of faith is! If doubt can be banished from the heart and unbelief is made a stranger there, what we ask from God will surely come to pass. Prayer throws faith on God and God on the world. Only God can move mountains, but faith and prayer move God.”

Together in the Harvest,
 
Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC)

[email protected]

www.crosswalk.com