Trust God When Life Hurts
I became aware of a terrible situation that befell a member of my family. As a result, the person was totally devastated, wondering if God had left His throne to take a break. I am sure that some of you have experienced pain in your life that made you stop in your tracks and wonder, “Has God’s ear closed to my situation?” One thing I have learned in this life is that, despite whatever devastation I may have encountered, God sees everything and will not leave me destitute. “Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrew 13:5). This conveys assurance that God’s presence is unwavering, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty.
In every situation God calls us to trust Him. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Courage under pressure is the ability to remain composed, act decisively, and maintain moral or emotional integrity in the face of fear, danger, or adversity. Ernest Hemingway called it “grace under pressure.”
An example of courage in trusting God is found in the book of Esther. Queen Esther faced a life-threatening decision - to approach King Ahasuerus uninvited to plead for the salvation of the Jewish people or allow her people to be destroyed in order to save her own life. (Entering the king’s presence without invitation could result in death unless the king extends his golden scepter.) She trusted in God and took the courageous step toward the king. The king granted her grace and her life was spared as well as the people of Israel.
Also, the book of Job describes this man as one who was upright and feared God; yet he lost everything – his family, home, livelihood, and health. Through the utter devastation, he said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (Job 1:21-22).
It takes bravery not to crumble when things seemingly fall apart, but, as my husband has often said, ‘When you’re going through Hell don’t stop.’ “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (psalm 46:1).
In every situation God calls us to trust Him. “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6). Courage under pressure is the ability to remain composed, act decisively, and maintain moral or emotional integrity in the face of fear, danger, or adversity. Ernest Hemingway called it “grace under pressure.”
An example of courage in trusting God is found in the book of Esther. Queen Esther faced a life-threatening decision - to approach King Ahasuerus uninvited to plead for the salvation of the Jewish people or allow her people to be destroyed in order to save her own life. (Entering the king’s presence without invitation could result in death unless the king extends his golden scepter.) She trusted in God and took the courageous step toward the king. The king granted her grace and her life was spared as well as the people of Israel.
Also, the book of Job describes this man as one who was upright and feared God; yet he lost everything – his family, home, livelihood, and health. Through the utter devastation, he said, “Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” (Job 1:21-22).
It takes bravery not to crumble when things seemingly fall apart, but, as my husband has often said, ‘When you’re going through Hell don’t stop.’ “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (psalm 46:1).