How to have Confident Faith in Harsh Times
Inside: Are you struggling and weary from tough times? Did you think the Christian Life should be easy? Learn how to have confident faith in harsh times.
Today I’m sharing over at Debbie Kitterman’s site! I was drawn to her site because I want to hear God. I would always joke to others that God needed to a) either smack me upside the head to get my attention or b) light up a neon sign. I’ve since learned, I need to be quiet and listen. God wants to be heard! Debbie is full of faith and wisdom! I hope you’ll check out her site.
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The last few years have been the hardest of my life. Deaths, sickness, addiction, family estrangement, and moving are just a few examples that I can recall quickly. I can look back now and say they have brought me to greater faith. However, during those moments, I questioned what the heck God was doing. I found it takes great faith in hard times.
When a loved one dies unexpectedly, it hurts, and our human minds can’t comprehend the good that can come out of it. We’re told to believe what we can’t see, but all we see and feel is our loss.
Actually, in each of the scenarios I listed above, it’s difficult to understand how God can work it together for us, the ones who love Him.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Have you ever questioned how God could take this extreme pain and turn it into good?” quote=”Have you ever questioned how God could take this extreme pain and turn it into good?”]
We have answers to some of these issues in the Bible about faith in hard times.
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28, NLT).
Debunking the Myth
When I was a child and even young adult, I viewed God as a superhero. Like Spiderman, He would rush in and save the Christian people and banish the evil people. He would maintain order and not let bad things befall His followers. God would be ever vigilant to keep peace at bay, and we wouldn’t have to worry about danger affecting our lives.
To put it another way, I decided that since He loved His sheep, He wouldn’t let anything bad happen to them. He would keep them safe whatever the cost since He’s the Good Shephard.
Or how about I expected that the Creator of the Universe to keep me from all distress, hurts and other bad things. I mean, He has complete control over everything so shouldn’t He keep me safe since I am following Him?
The cornerstone question is: Shouldn’t His followers be taken care of and let the real evil people suffer instead?
Don’t my expectations sound horrible now that I’ve admitted and written them down? Tell me I’m not the only one who has felt this way?
Faith in Harsh Times
The last few years have set my false beliefs on their head. I’ve had to toss them away and look deep into God’s word to replace my expectations with God’s truth. Sometimes it’s painful to debunk what you had thought previously.
I’ve been surprised, frustrated and anxious during these times because it seems like evil keeps descending into my life. Anger at God has been a common reaction in the past.
Don’t we all want a break from the trying times and yet they seem to come in succession one after the other?
To read the rest of my post continue here.
You’ll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent TimesGoliath Must Fall: Winning the Battle Against Your Giants
Through the Eyes of a Lion: Facing Impossible Pain, Finding Incredible Power
Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely
You’re Already Amazing: Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be
You’re Going to Be Okay: Encouraging Truth Your Heart Needs to Hear, Especially on the Hard Days
Coffee for Your Heart: 40 Mornings of Life-Changing Encouragement
You’re Made for a God-Sized Dream: Opening the Door to All God Has for You
Julie – Thank you so much for sharing your words on my space at #TuneInThursday as my guest this week. It has definitely blessed and touched many people to read it. Oh and just so you know, I used to say the very same things about hearing God – especially the neon sign! LOL too funny. Again, thank you for sharing your gift of words and for being transparent in what you are going through so we too can learn as we navigate the hard times as well. Blessings upon blessings to you.
Debbie- thank you again! That’s funnny about the neon sign;)
What a great post, Julie! I clicked on over to finish at Debbie’s site. There are hard things in all of our lives and we don’t understand why or how, but God is always there to comfort, love and guide.
Thanks for sharing your heart! Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #FreshMarketFriday!
Gayl- thank you, I’m so glad you stopped:)
Great post, Julie. I also skipped over to finish it on Deb’s link up. Jesus promised us that we would have tribulation but more that He would overcome the world. If we place our full trust in Him, He will bring us through the hard times. Isn’t it nice to leave matters in His hands?
Visiting from Counting My Blessings.
Cindy- yes, it’s comforting to leave it in His hands!
I loved your analogy about seeing God as a superhero. I think people often think that way and get frustrated when God doesn’t swoop in and save the day.
Heather- thank you!
No, you definitely aren’t the only one who has viewed God as a superhero or our own personal genie! But pain hurts and we don’t like to endure it. We want it to go away so it can be hard to trust that the pain serves a purpose.
Melissa- Amen! I’m trying to learn patience and the gift of suffering!
I think your progression is like most people, including mine. We see God the way we saw our parents as children. As we mature, we have to face more uncomfortable realities.
Alice- yes, thank you!