God's Presence in Hard Times

Read | Genesis 37:12-36

There are points in life when we are hurting, the situation is clearly outside our control,  and we can’t detect so much as a glimmer of relief for the future. At times  like that, what can we be sure of?

• God is with us in our troubles. Our heavenly Father  comforts us through His Holy Spirit. Because He knows each of His children intimately, He provides whatever is needed in a given situation. The  Lord wants us to be mindful of His constant  presence so we’ll know we are never alone. And awareness of His love and strength  will undergird us with a sense of security. God understands what it is like to  suffer, to be rejected, or to lose a loved one. He comprehends the temptations  and obstacles we face. He has assigned Himself the task of carrying  His children’s burdens (Ps. 68:1-9) and offers peace for our hurting hearts.  The God who walks with us can’t be hindered or limited by anything, so we need  not be afraid (Matt. 19:26).

• God has a purpose for allowing trials. This is clearly seen  in the story of Joseph, whose brothers sold him into slavery. God, however, had  planned that those years would prepare the young man to become Egypt’s prime  minister. Joseph could not see God’s purpose—and neither will we, most of the  time—but he knew the Lord’s character and trusted Him.  Joseph’s faith was rewarded when he was able to rescue his family  (Gen. 45:1-8).

We are called to live a life of faith. That means we’re to  believe God’s promises even when our circumstances confound us. When troubles surround you, remember what is true. God will never leave you  nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5), and His good purposes  will always be carried out (Prov. 19:21).

"And yes I live and believe all that I post, for he has been good to me". I've had to cry sometimes, and the sun has not always shined when I needed it to, but when I was unable to carry myself, I know who has my back.......