Hard times. If you’re a not too uncommon citizen of this planet, you’ll probably have gone through some of them in your life before. Let me say first: I’m fine! No need to worry. But have you ever been in the situation that good friends of you have been struck with hard times? Have you ever seen someone you care about hit a “rough patch”?
If so, you’ll understand it affects you, almost as if it was yourself that was going through this. And in a way, you are! I see friends struggle and not do too well these days, just like is the case with myself at times. Too often I feel helpless, especially if I come to realize again, I don’t know the solutions myself. Sometimes feeling not to be able to help can feel as bad as being in the need of help yourself!
The only thing that I could think of today, when I was going through all the current issues in my mind, were a couple of verses in the New Testament.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. – The Bible, 1 Peter 5, 7+10 (NIV)
You see, god is a god of grace. Anyone who’s ever been touched by his wonderful grace knows what I’m talking about. And ultimately it’s the only answer I have when friends or family are suffering and I and them again feel so helpless. This is when I know, while god may not take away painful times from us in this life, he suffers with us, carries us through and will welcome us home in the next life, when he says the time has come.
Hard times. They come to everyone, sooner or later. Including guys like me, who put their faith in Jesus Christ. I hate to see people struggle, be tired and burned out. I know what it’s like. And especially because of this, I love how ‘stubborn’ Jesus is. He’s not giving up! He’s not going away. No! He’s right there, and especially close when we’re doing not so good, even if our feelings say otherwise. And like he said to us in his word above – he wants to restore us when we’re broken and weak. He wants to make us firm and steadfast. He wants to give us new, everlasting life and he wants to go through this earthly life, as well!
I know I’m incredibly grateful for all he’s done in my life – on good days, and especially on the bad days, too. I want to encourage you, no matter if you are a long-time Christian or whether you’re totally new to this stuff. No matter if you feel good or bad. No matter if the sun’s shining for you or a thunderstorm looms above your head – give Jesus an honest chance! If you’re serious and really put your trust in him, you’ll see he’s for real! The end of this post can be a new beginning for you! Are you in?
