Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Tough Times

How many times have you thought about getting away from tough times?
The day of surgery, Madelyn was more interested in getting away than staying.  Of course, she is eighteen months old so it made more sense to go in the other direction.  At the end of the day, we might agree that when life gets tough it seems we should go the other way.   And, usually at least one time in our life we run away from the tough situations of life.

The thing is . . . we eventually  . . . find ourselves in tough times.  The challenges  of life require courage. For sure,  it is tiring and even miserable to live in tough times  . . . wondering when it is going to end . . . hoping that someone will come to the rescue.

That said, it seems to me that the big thing we miss . . . the thing that should be evident is not evident because we are focused on the challenges of difficulties . . . is that . . .  
God is present . . .
God will get you through it . . .
and  God will make all things work together.  

The truth  is spelled out in the Word of God. The Psalmist described the tough times as the earth itself coming apart in Psalm 46 but prefaced it with the promise: God is our refuge and strength,       an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1, TNIV)

We are reminded that God is “ever-present.”  Though we might run away, God stays with us.  
Turn back the pages in the Psalms to Psalm 23 and consider the tenacity of the presence of God: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil (Psalm 23:4a, TNIV)

Rather than focusing on the fear of evil we willfully and intentionally focus on the fact that God will not stop being present.   While, I don’t know the story of your difficulties . . . I do know God is with you. And, regarding the difficulties . . . we are promised that all things come together: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28, TNIV)

Again, we must take another look and focus on the activity of God in the challenges of life which means we focus on blessings rather than on fear. What Madelyn did not know . . . could not see . . . that going through a tough surgery has a great outcome and will change her life for the good. Turns out that the difficult and hard stuff created by surgery will work out for the good in the end. 

Take another look at the tough times you are facing.
Determine to face the tough times with courage.
Focus on the continual presence of God.
Believe that God will walk through it with you.
Underline the word, “through,” which is vital to know as you enter a dark valley.
Know that the tough stuff is not the end of the story but will be used by God for the good.

Learning with you to KICK START the day facing the tough times,
Kerrie
(written by Kerrie Palmer © 2010 All Rights Reserved)