There is growing gang violence in Haiti, civil war in Sudan and Myanmar, disease and destruction in Syria, a dramatic increase in human trafficking throughout the world, more than 100 hostages still being held captive in Gaza, and an escalating war in Ukraine. People around the world are facing the trials of war, famine, religious and political persecution, slavery, drug addiction, violent crime, homelessness, natural disasters, and poverty. There are many struggles common to man: Financial, relationship, health, job, housing, family, and grief are just a handful. Let’s face it; nobody gets through life without troubles. The point is what to do with them.
When God sends folks who are going through very difficult times to me, I attempt to comfort and encourage them with God’s wisdom and prayer. Times are tough for many these days, and I confess that, despite my positive outlook on life, it is easy to feel under attack. From past experience, I appreciate that when a child of God is under attack, it can often mean God is getting ready to do a great work. My friend Chuck Swindoll reminds us that “God can’t trust tough times to just anyone.”
Psychologists have their purpose and can certainly be helpful, but if they don’t offer God as at least part of the solution to a person’s struggle, they’re missing the big picture. Developing coping mechanisms, healthier thought patterns, and resiliency are important. Addressing underlying trauma can be freeing. Restructuring behaviors, environments, and relationships are all good tools, but God gives hope eternal, healing, a plan, a purpose, and powerful protection. He offers redemption, salvation, and the weapons and armor to fight what very well may be an underlying spiritual battle.
In Ephesians 6, Scripture tells us that we need to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand against those wicked philosophies and people who enter our lives. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the high places” (Ephesians 6:11). Paul also instructs, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).
When we pray, go to God with our dreams, concerns, fears, ambitions, requests, and praise, we appropriate the Lord’s mighty power in our lives. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b NIV). E. Stanley Jones reminds us, “Prayer is not bending the universe to your will, making God a cosmic bellhop for your purposes, but prayer is cooperating with the purposes of God to do things you never dreamed you could do.” Whether we face cancer, a broken heart, addiction, unemployment, or home repairs we cannot afford, nothing is too big for God. He is ready to help; we just need to ask.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-2
Personal Application: If you are struggling today, don’t hesitate to ask for help. But first, pray. The Lord stands ready to help in your times of trouble. If you are not facing tough times today, certainly someone you know is. Someone needs God’s wisdom and your prayers. Who needs the refuge and strength of God today? How can you show them God’s love during this time?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5