3 Things To Remember When Life Is Hard
One of those days.
Do you ever have one of those days when it seems like everything conspires against you?
The computer swallows four days of work and won’t spit it back up. Someone finds your secret stash and eats your last Oreo. Your toddler flushes your glasses down the toilet.
Ugh!!!
God, Where are you?
There’s a story in John 11 of two sisters navigating some of those days. Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus, who is their protection and provider, has fallen gravely ill. The sisters send word to Jesus … “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
When Jesus heard this, he stayed where he was two more days. Two more days!!! No immediate intervention. No prayers from afar. Nothing!
So I just have to ask, does it ever feel like God is delaying his arrival and that he won’t get to you in time or on time? Cuz it does to me. Sometimes it feels like Jesus is oblivious of the miracle I need right now!
Trusting God’s Timing
When Jesus finally gets to the sisters, Lazarus is dead. As a matter of fact, he’s been entombed four days. When the sisters see Jesus, they say, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” In other words, WHERE WERE YOU WHEN? Where were you when my brother was sick?
That’s what we do when things don’t go the way we want, isn’t it? We question God. Where were you when…
- I miscarried that baby I prayed for.
- I lost the job that pays our bills.
- My husband left me for another woman.
I ask! Don’t you ask?
God hears your cry
Listen, Jesus hears those questions. In response to Mary’s question, the Bible says, “When Jesus saw her (Mary) weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her (mourners) also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. And Jesus wept.
Just as Jesus was filled with compassion for Mary and Martha, he weeps for you and over you. He’s with us in our pain.
3 Things to remember when life is hard
When you are questioning where God is when life is hard, remember these three things.
1. God made you. He sees you. He knows exactly what you need.
“… your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8
2. Your Creator is bigger than your circumstances.
“Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.” Jeremiah 32:17
3. God is with you and for you.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
God is with you, too.
Just like Jesus came to BE WITH Mary and Martha, he will be with you, too. He will intervene on your behalf with miracles or minister to you in your misery. He can and will work good things out of even the lousiest of circumstances.
How have you seen God care for someone in a time of trial? Leave me a comment below.
Verse for the day: Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11
Prayer: We know that your ways are far above ours and that you work on our behalf in ways that we might hate. Help us to trust you to lead us through, around, and past hard days. Fill us with your peace. In Jesus Name amen.
God was there for me when I lost my husband to cancer at the age of 71?? God’s promise that He will never leave me or forsake me has been very real!!
That is so very encouraging to me, Judy. Thanks for writing
What timing this message is. I have been struggling today with missing my husband. I questioned when will this not hurt so much. Thank you for sending this out to me.
Cheryl, Such great love is worthy of great suffering. I am so sorry for your loss. Praying you find your way back to everyday joy.
Thank you for this confirmation. Heard a message on God’s timing this morning. Thank you.
Wow Chinia, That’s awesome. Thanks for writing.
Thank you Robyn for allowing God to use you. I really needed this.. Sometimes I feel like the pain will never go away from missing my husband. I know God hears my prayers. This message spoke directly to me and has encouraged me. I am so very thankful that God is my healer. His plan is bigger and He’s with me every step I take. So thank you again, God Bless!
Oh Joelle, I am so so sorry. May God’s presence be your constant companion. May you find pleasure in life and purpose for the pain. May you be blessed by the Lord and used by Him. In Jesus Name amen
Thank you for encouraging me in the midst of your pain.
Robyn,
Your message brought me to tears. I manage an assisted living home and 7 of my 13 residents have COVID. Also, three of five staff. So you see I needed to be encouraged today and God used you to do so. Psalm 91: 10 and 11 reminds me God is keeping His angels over us to keep us safe, in spite of illness. God bless you.
Lord have mercy! Cynthia, I agree in prayer for you, your staff and your residents to endure and be healed. For God of heaven and earth to minister to you and them. Amen, Sister. Do not become weary of doing good. Gal 6:9
I work in a home for the handicap and we had an outbreak which was handled very well by the aids and especially the DON. The timing was interesting to me because I realized I had already gone thru COVID and if I had caught COVID at that time I would not have been available to help where I could during those weeks of healing. Sometimes we don’t realize what God is doing until we can look back on it all. Other times it feels like you’re still waiting to understand what is going on.
Thanks for posting Jennifer. What a great reminder of God’s timing and sovereignty. I’m sure when you had Covid, it was not pleasant, but having already had it when it hit your workplace allowed you to care for others with compassion, not worrying about getting it.
This message was very relevant. God is walking with my friends right now in extremely difficult situations. With needs for healing and peace. But we know God is there supplying their needs. He is always here for me in His time, which always is the right time.
Such wise words of faith, Carlene!
Praying with you for a great outcome.
This message came at the right time for me. I lose my husband 4 weeks ago. I am managing to stay strong. I am leaning on Isaiah 41:10 that gives me peace and know that God is there to help me through this difficult time. I know my husband is in eternity with his Savior.
Oh, Sweet Friend, I am so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. This is just awful news except for him knowing Jesus. We can be sure he is having a great day in heaven. But still it stinks to be left behind. And in the midst of all this isolation.
Are you able to meet with your pastor or friends?
I pray in agreement with you for courage and faith to sustain you as you grieve.
Much Love
Robyn