Does God know how tough a situation I am in?
The plight of people in need is hard to address for many have given up on advice, on encouragement, and on people. Yet, in tough times the depths of our faith are exposed and the roots of our faith grow deeper.
It seems there is no relief in sight!
I've prayed but received nothing.
I love you God, but this is breaking me apart.
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| The Great Blondin - The Summer of 1860 |
During the summer of 1860, The Great Blondin attempted to cross Niagara Falls on tight rope, while pushing a wheel barrow full of weights. After a smooth start across the river, Blondin began to slow considerably. He wobbled and paused and then repeated the process.
Unbeknownst to the terrified crowd, Blondin was simply playing them- he had things under total control. When he neared the finish, Blondin proceeded to push the wheel barrow the last five feet with a great shove and then just stood. The tension mounted as he took a few steps back then executed a perfect back somersault on the wire and onto Canadian soil.
The crowd went wild and reporters flooded Blondin with questions. How did he do it? What was his reason? Was he scared? One particular reporter ask "What made you think you could do it?"
Blondin then turned the questions to the reporter. "Do you think I can do it again?" Blondin asked. "Sure", answered the reporter. "Do you BELIEVE I can do it once more?", Blondin inquired. "Yes, of course", assured the reporter. To which Blondin responded, "Then get in the wheelbarrow."
Every person who accepts Christ as their savior are asked to do the same. They are asked to join in faith that our Father in Heaven watches over us and takes every care to bring us to Himself safely.
Yet becoming a Christian is not the end of the line. Trials and adversity will come our ways as if God is saying, "Do you believe I am your Savior?"
For Noah, he was given a monumental trial to build an ark. With specific instructions Noah was to build a boat to float on a flood from rain which they never had seen before. God spoke to Noah about the storm and his need for safety; however, no one had ever seen it rain before.
There were no rivers of water to help Noah understand what the ark was saving him from. Yet in faith, Noah endured the hardship of cutting the trees, making each plank, and assembling the ark.
It took years to build and the hardships encountered along the way would be numerous. He had his family questioning him; his neighbors mocking him. He worked long hours and yet through the pain he endured. Yet, it would not be beyond the storyline to consider he said things as, "Does God know how tough a situation I am in?" "It seems there is no relief in sight." "I've prayed but received nothing." "I love you God, but this is breaking me apart."
God promised salvation and God brought salvation as Noah entered in as God had instructed. It would only have been after all the trials did it make sense to Noah and his family. They endured hardship for salvation. Only they would go on to a new world, a new start, and a new hope that God is faithful and loves us.
- Though you may not understand the reason for your trials let Jesus help you stand through them.
- Approach each trial in faith that God is doing a lasting work.
- In faith cling to the scriptures which speak to us with so many marvelous promises.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:28-31(NKJV)
Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2 (NKJV)
Trials, persecutions, hardships, make us stronger. The tight rope which is our faith cannot plunge us to our death; only the trials which come against us can knock us off the rope. Yet if we stand in confidence on Christ we will safely make it to the other side.
Therefore, let God be your strength. Turn to Him in times of hardship. Submit to His will for your life and endure the trials of life, knowing they will be used for good.
