Tough times

Most Christians will encounter one or more times when they feel overwhelmed to some degree by the life circumstances they encounter. A life dedicated to Christ does not remove one from the struggles accompanying human life, but it does provide an alternative method to overcoming these times. Perhaps an accident ends a fervent dream and enjoyable activity, or incessant pain robs us of what little energy we can muster, then maybe a loved one is taken from us. We might think, “how can I bear any more, please make this stop.” These are times the Christian can closely relate to Paul’s description of the creation groaning due to disorder and chaos. We must realize we have a partner in suffering. Our troubles may not go away, but we should realize our experiences are part of a larger struggle against Satan. All these experiences are part of our unique individual spiritual journey. However, each is a struggle shared with the indwelling Holy Spirit. The one suffering never must consider that are never alone in their struggles because the Holy Spirit is always close by. Not only this, but also our struggles can be an encouragement to other people as well and a statement to satanic powers which would like to discourage us that we depend on God and we await an inherited residence with God, void of pain and struggles.
What should Christians do when they encounter- one of these tough situations? As a Christian, one should realize they are never experiencing these circumstances alone. After His baptism, Jesus was never alone. If one needs to vent, complain, shout, or cry, the indwelling Holy Spirit understands and will provide calming if the person will focus on Him. Jesus was hurt due to rejection and lamented over the struggles He found I Jerusalem, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’” – Matt. 23:37-39, (ESV) cf. also Lk. 13:31-35; then about the impending future,  “And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” – Lk. 19:42-44 (ESV) He also wept when Lazarus died, {Jn. 11:35}. As one begins to read, listen to, or contemplate scripture, this action shifts their focus away from the troubling issue and replaces the emotion with focus on God.