Don't Give Up - Persevere

When troubles arise in our lives, we often feel helpless to cope with them.  Instead of facing them head on we prefer to avoid them, pretend they don’t exist, or hide from them.  Troubles can drive us into isolation and into behaviour that is harmful to us and others

Instead of hiding from our problems, we need to seriously think about doing something to solve them.  Thankfully, we don’t have to figure it all out on our own.  We can seek out someone to talk to who is willing to understand us, pray with us, and help us.  God often reveals the answer to us when we take time to listen to what He has to say.

As one song writer wrote, “Is there trouble anywhere?  We should never be discouraged.  Take it to the Lord in prayer.” 

This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.

Jeremiah 33:2-3

We need to be truthful when we bring our troubles before God, admitting any part we had in the event but we can rest assured that when we ask for His help, God hears us and intervenes in troubling situations on our behalf. 

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Call for help when you’re in trouble—I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.

Psalm 46:1, 50:15

Most problems develop over time.  Discovering and applying solutions to problems also takes time.  We will need to persevere as we work to do things God’s way in all our affairs. 

Gracious God, We are grateful that You never give up on us. Help us to persevere and fearlessly face what is challenging us today.  Give us grace to do our part but at the same time to watch You work all things together for our good. Thank You for Your steady presence in our lives, for caring about everything we face, and for making everything we need available to so we can get through.  Amen

Well, that’s the encouraging bit when we look at things with the longer focus – God does work in all things for our good.  It never feels great in the moment that requires perseverance but it is a reward we can enjoy over and over again in our lives.