Sometimes as we approach the end of a year, we feel a sense of peace and contentment. But all too often, we are faced with trials that test and stretch us, and that can make a year feel long and even stressful.
This month, we’d like to share some of Dr. Stanley’s words of encouragement for getting through the challenges that try our patience.
Are you in the midst of a troubling situation?
Is the problem lasting a long time, with no end in sight? In these challenges, it’s easy to sink into hopelessness, bitterness, anger, or even self-pity. But I want to assure you that you don’t have to live under your circumstances.
The Lord has provided a way to live above them.
The apostle Paul is a wonderful example of how God wants us to respond to the trying times in our lives. While unfairly imprisoned in Rome, he wrote a letter to the Philippians.
Even in this terrible situation, Paul could rejoice because he knew his future was not controlled by those who imprisoned him. Instead, he understood that Christ held his destiny and ruled his life.
And the same is true for you.
Paul’s example provides three basic principles for living above our circumstances.
I’m not saying your situation will improve if you practice these principles, but God will change you, so you will be able to live with joy and contentment even if the trial remains.
First, focus on the Lord, not your circumstances or their effect on you.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).
These weren’t empty words; Paul actually practiced what he preached. Not once in his letter did he bemoan his situation, blame someone else, wallow in self-pity, or express anger toward God. His priority was Christ, not his own comfort.
If you will keep your focus on Christ, you too can rejoice despite hardship.
Second, focus on the good that God is doing through the situation.
“Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brothers and sisters, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear” (Phil. 1:12-14).
Paul could no longer establish churches as he had in the past, but in prison, he had a captive audience—the Roman soldiers who were chained to him round the clock. Each one heard about Jesus Christ and was presented with the gospel. And also, fellow believers were encouraged to fearlessly proclaim Christ because of Paul’s example.
Did you know that a godly response to your difficulties is a powerful witness to a watching world?
Instead of dwelling on the negatives, look for opportunities to share the gospel.
Thank God that He’s positioned you to demonstrate Christ’s sufficiency in the midst of your trials. Your godly response is an encouragement to fellow believers. They can draw strength from your example of faithful endurance.
What good is the Lord doing in your most difficult challenges?
Sometimes it’s hard to see while you’re going through them, but God’s Word assures us that He uses trials to benefit us (Rom. 8:28). They’re the tools He wields to achieve His good purposes in our lives. He designs our hardships to humble us, increase our faith, mature us spiritually, and make us more like Christ.
Third, submit yourself to God’s will.
Paul didn’t know whether he would be released or killed in prison, but his expectation and hope was that “Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21). Whatever God chose to do about his circumstances was not Paul’s main concern. His priority was to exalt Christ by being faithful in whatever situation God placed him.
Is that your desire?
Are you seeing your situation as the means God is using to accomplish His will in your life? Have you discovered the joy of submitting to Him?
Difficulties don’t have to defeat you. Rather than focusing on your feelings and disappointments, keep your eyes on the One who is your life. He loves you and walks with you every step of the way so you can live above your circumstances.
We know there are trials in the Christian life that seem like they’ll never end—and we know it can be difficult to avoid dejection, let alone hold on to our joy.
Know that we’re here for you. In Touch is devoted to your discipleship journey. We look forward to praying with and for you, and providing the tools to remind you of all that the Father has promised. You are loved.
Till next time, God bless you—and Happy Thanksgiving!
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. We’re so grateful for your unwavering support. Each day, you make it possible for us to share Jesus with those who don’t know Him and to disciple believers worldwide. Thank you for caring so much for both the world and our brothers and sisters in the church.