In Those Hard Times

By Lori Scharf

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What do we do in hard times?

What do we do when our lives seem to be flipping up-side-down and inside out?

Because that’s what I feel has been happening to me lately.

However, I believe God uses these turbulent times to teach us hard lessons.

In my case, trust.

Trusting God with everything is against pretty much every human instinct. We want to believe we are self-sustainable. That we can pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and rely on ourselves for everything.

But do you know what happens then? To quote Christian speaker and author Ken Davis, “Broken bootstraps.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your way acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” (ESV)

Our understanding is flawed. We can only see a small part of the big picture God sees. No matter what, it’s good to remember that God has already seen your whole life play out. He’s not just along for the ride, He is in control!

But God does more than stay with us through our hard times. He gives us people and resources to help along the way.

A new friend who will talk to and encourage you.

A Bible study or prayer group who will pray for and support you.

An understanding family member who will support you in whatever decision you make.

A new project to distract you from the stress.

God gives us these things on purpose! He wants us to come out of these times stronger than we were.

“Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.” (Isaiah 48:10, ESV)

So in those hard times, remember to trust God, even when it’s hard.