Standing strong against trouble

There are two key words in this: “STAND” and “TROUBLE.” No one wants to deal with trouble; unfortunately, we cannot avoid it. As long as we live in this world, we will experience problems. But the good news is that God promised to walk with us through them. Isaiah 43:2 says, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

Many years ago, I chose a song titled “I Can’t Give Up Now” by Mary Mary and it became my favorite song. The song is summarized here, “I can’t give up now, I have come too far from where I started from.” Here’s my most repeated sentence in the song: “Nobody told me the road won’t be easy and I don’t believe He’s brought me this far to leave me.”

I held on to this song to console me during difficult times. Little did I know that the problems I had at the time were baby issues. I wasn’t prepared for what was coming. I am still standing strong today by His grace and I want to share with you how to stand strong during your unpleasant times. The list is endless, but I would love to share my personal tips with you:

• You must trust in God completely. I cannot over-stress this. Nothing else will pull you through other than an unshakable trust in God, that He has your back and will pull you through all obstacles. Lean totally on God. Read Proverbs 3:3-5.
• Focus on God alone, not man, not your problem. When you focus on your problem, the problem appears magnified, and your fear threshold increases while your faith decreases. When fear increases, you are likely to give up. Focusing on God makes your problem minute and surmountable.
• Spend time in God’s presence.Sometimes, I will sit in, cry, and play uplifting gospel songs; at other times, I am too distressed to hear anything, and I remain in total silence. Spending time in His presence is your power source.
• Turn to God’s Word.You can do more than just read His Word: this is the perfect opportunity to meditate deeply on God’s Word concerning your situation until it resonates in your heart. When you meditate on God’s Words, it replaces fear and doubt. Read it and believe it; it will give you the right weapons to fight against the devil and his wits.
• Do not compare yourself or your timing with others. In life, it is inevitable that others will get what you want before you get it; don’t fret, just focus on your own race. The timing for everyone is different. The Bible confirmed this, “Those that compare themselves are not wise” (2 Corinthians 10:12).
• Remember past victories.Know that if He did it before, He will do it again.
• Stay busy serving God. In your service to God is liberation, answers to your prayers, and more. Your service is like a memorial to God.
• Don’t keep asking God the question “WHY?”I must confess, this is difficult, but you must learn not to. When you ask questions and don’t get an answer, your faith can sink, and you might develop resentment against God.
• Have a trusted friend you can talk to. Join a Christian group you can fellowship with; don’t carry your burden alone, but remember that your help is from God and not man.
• Keep hope alive.Believe that God will come through for you. As long as you have your breath, there’s hope!

Know this, God will never leave you nor forsake you. There are many troubles I went through that became my springboards for success today. While I went through them, the pains were unbearable, but most of it became my testimony today.

Let me encourage you with this verse – Psalm 126:6, “Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”

Are you going through a difficult time? Share with us your prayer requests or questions. We love you!