Scriptural Reference:
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will
satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never
fail.
Isaiah 58:11
Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid
of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He
will not leave you nor forsake you ...
Deuteronomy 31:6
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice
of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Hebrews 13:15
But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I
with them.
Matthew 18:20
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean
on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5
Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping and with mourning
Joel 2:13
Reflection:
When trials and challenges come our way we have an inner strength
that will guide, strengthen and prepare us. Here are eight things we
can do to find that strength and guidance in times of conflict.
Seek the Lords Guidance
As a Christian we should be continually seeking God in our daily
walk. Yet there are times when we should really focus our thoughts towards
God so as to draw him as close as we can. In times when our faith is
being tested we need to seek guidance through prayer as well as through
his Holy Word the Bible. It is vital to seek understanding through God
Word, even when it seems difficult at the time. Trying to solve the
problem on our own will only create more problems. But returning to
the Bible will give us the understanding and courage needed to face
life's challenges. It is though prayer we are able to connect to God
and receive the strength and words of wisdom, encouragement and direction
God has for us. All this found within the Scriptures.
Be Strong and of Good Courage
When our faith is being tested, in times or trials and trouble, it's
important that we stay strong and filled with good courage. The book
of Joshua tells us to do this. To "Be strong and of good courage".
We have with us the strength of God that gives courage to pour hearts
no matter what we may face. Even in the worse situation we can rely
on God to provide us with a solution. With inner strength and courage
we may stand up to any conflict.
Start Praising and tart Worshipping God
When faced with an attack on our faith or our safety we may find it
hard to praise and worship God. Yet this is the most important time
to do so. WE need to never forget that everything that we encounter
will bring us closer to our Lord and Saviour. So the best time to start
worshipping and praising God is when our faith is being put to the test.
Praise and worship is more then a feel good therapy, it is our willingness
to put our whole heart into trusting God to always be there for us.
Remember that God gives us Victory over the Problems
we face
Throughout the Bible we can read of the victory that God can give us
as long as we trust in him to do so. Joshua gained victory against overwhelming
odds. Such as when sieging Jericho, God provided a victory. WE may know
about this Old testament story, but have we put the principles in it
to work in our lives? Dealing with a range of issues in our lives such
as, depression, loneliness, defeat and despair can make us feel dumbfounded
and unprepared. We need to remind ourselves that God can give us the
victory in any situation as soon as we let go and let God. In some ways
we can see how Jericho can represent the things in our lives such as
our fears, defeats, anxieties and deceit, that have filled us with dread.
Like an unpassable wall between where we are and where we need to be.
God know the only way to push on. Let God fill you with his plans for
victory.
Be around those who will Uplift you
As Christians we also find our strength in numbers It's important that
we fellowship with others who have called Jesus Christ their Lord and
Saviour. In this company of the faithful we will find solace and encouragement.
Through the act of shared prayer, support and witnessing we are able
to grow as believers. This communion of believers should be a regular
activity we embrace every day. Yet when our faith is sorely tested we
need to call together and find comfort among those who are there for
us as we are for them. Lifting up the difficult situation to the Lord.
As they guide and comfort you.
Trust God
Focusing our minds on the things that feel threatening can distract
us from the source of all our strength. What is vitally needed is to
focus on how God is able to help us. We need to remember His goodness
for us at all times. We can find that our thoughts and our hearts can
be filled with peace and contentment. We need to shift our thoughts
from the dire situation and onto God The word Trust goes hand in hand
with Hope. As we focus on trusting God we will find we have hope for
a resolution to our predicament.
Fast
Fasting may not high on any list of tools Christians my consider. But
it has a powerful impact on us. The very act of fasting creates in our
bodies a sense of importance. As well as a focus to our thoughts. The
Bible tells us of many who fasted and found their help from God. Fasting
is not a quick fix solution and takes time. Perhaps this is why some
prefer to avoid it. But with time comes wisdom and the act of fasting
can bring this. Essentially, by fasting, we come closer to God with
the urgency of our requests. We set our desire to connect with God above
everything else. We earnestly pray body and soul.
When face with a challenge to our faith or a challenge to our well being,
we need never confront it blindly. As Christians we are more then ready
and prepared to stand. For the Lord will make us to stand.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
In times of trouble and strife,
When there seems no escape.
When people are against me.
When life seems the darkest.
When all hope seems lost.
I turn to you,
My calm in the storm.
My guide through the maze.
My fortress of safety
My light onto wisdom.
My hope and my Saviour.
I thank you.
Amen