The life of a man is full of many challenges and difficulties. These challenges often come unannounced, catching us unprepared and vulnerable. It is natural to grieve, to mourn, and to feel the weight of life’s burdens when they overwhelm us. However, we must not remain in the low places where life’s troubles have dragged us. We are called to rise above the storms, not by our strength, but by drawing upon the inexhaustible strength of God.
In times of hardship, we must be careful not to give room to the devil, who seeks to use the trials of life to drag us into depression and despair. Instead, we must lean into God — finding refuge in His grace and mercy. For He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us.
Reflecting on my own journey, I have faced moments of deep uncertainty and fear. Yet, in those times, turning to God has always provided me with the strength and peace to move forward. Trusting in His plan and finding solace in His promises has been a source of unwavering hope. I encourage you to lean into your faith, knowing that God is with you, and His grace will carry you through. As we proceed, I will like to establish some things firmly in our hearts.
1. DO NOT FEAR: In life, challenges will come, but DO NOT FEAR, for God is with you. Life is full of ups and downs, turmoil, and uncertainties, but it is our unwavering trust in God that keeps us moving forward. Scripture reminds us in James 1:2–4 (NKJV): “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.“
The Lord Himself assures us of His presence in our trials. Isaiah 43:1–5 (TPT) declares: “Do not fear, for I, your Kinsman-Redeemer, will rescue you. I have called you by name, and you are mine. When you pass through the deep, stormy sea, you can count on me to be there with you. When you pass through raging rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through persecution like fiery flames, you will not be burned… I am with you now, even close to you, so never yield to fear.”
2. FORGIVE: In our journey through life’s challenges, we must find a place in our hearts to forgive. Jesus, even while enduring the agony of the cross, prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing” (Luke 23:34, TPT). Stephen, while being stoned to death, echoed that same heart of forgiveness, crying out, “Our Lord, don’t hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:59–60, TPT). Even in recent history, Nelson Mandela, after 27 years of unjust imprisonment, emerged with a message of reconciliation and peace toward those who wronged him. Forgiveness frees us and keeps our hearts aligned with God’s heart.
Amidst the storms, we must allow Jesus to speak peace into our situations. He reassured His disciples in John 16:31–33 (TPT): “You will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” Again, John 16:33 (NIV) reminds us: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus offers us His peace — a peace that transcends circumstances.
3. BELIEVE: When we pray, we must believe, casting away all doubt. Faith is the bedrock of our breakthrough; it is the catalyst that moves mountains. As Jesus said in Mark 11:22–23 (NIV): “Have faith in God… if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”
4. TRUST GOD: Furthermore, we must continue trusting God for our answers until our change comes. Trust is the lifeline that keeps our hope alive. God is able to influence even the hearts of kings for our sake, as Proverbs 21:1 (NKJV) says: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
Finally, we hold onto this unshakable assurance: God is faithful to complete what we have entrusted to Him. As Paul confidently declared in 2 Timothy 1:11–12 (NIRV): “That’s because I know who I have believed in. I am sure he is able to take care of what I have given him. I can trust him with it until the day he returns as judge.”
In all things, let us remember: challenges may come, but God’s presence, peace, and power are with us. Fear not, trust deeply, forgive freely, pray believing, and rest assured — our God is faithful to the very end.
Prayer
- Pray that God will take away every form of fear and anxiety from your life in Jesus name.
- Pray that God will give you the grace to forgive in Jesus name.
- Pray that God will speak His peace into your situation in Jesus name.
- Pray that God will help you to keep trusting in Him in Jesus name.
- Pray that God will open new and better doors for you this year and beyond in Jesus name. Amen!