Surviving Hard Times

Surviving Hard Times

By Leann Albrecht

Let’s face it, we live in a broken world where bad things happen to good people. However, the way we respond to those hard times makes the difference as to whether we come through them defeated or victorious. In other words, we can be depressed and hopeless or filled with peace and joy during difficult situations. The choice is ours. I know that may sound simplistic but here are some things I have learned over the years of walking in relationship with Jesus.

It’s important to settle a basic truth and that is, the Lord is good and He is only capable of doing good. Satan is bad and he is only capable of doing bad. When troubles come our way, we must recognize the “source” of trouble. The enemy has one single goal in mind and that is to destroy us in any way possible. Many people blame God for bad things. They think that He brings trouble upon them because of some sin in their life or because God is trying to teach them a lesson.  Both of these reasons could not be further from the truth!

Why would I want to be the child of a God that inflicts pain and suffering? The Word clearly states that the Lord restores the damages done by Satan. A perfect example is Job. Satan had a hay-day with him…trying to destroy him but look what God did. Job 42:10
And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, when he prayed for his friends; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

When affliction strikes, don’t blame God for it but look for Him in the midst of the trial. He’s the only one who can help you through it. He has promised to always be with us. Hebrews 13:5 (NLT)….For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” I believe the reason He spoke this in His Word is because He knew we would need that assurance…. whether or not we could “feel” or “see” Him in our situation.

He knew that since the fall of Adam and Eve, anyone who walked the face of the earth would need His help. John 16:33 (AMP) I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you will have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer…take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted! For I have overcome the world. I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you. Wow!  What a promise of protection and provision!

So how do we shift into that place of rest and certainty? It’s all about what you believe. You must believe that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He said He would do. When I am in the middle of a difficult situation, many times I will verbally declare the promises of God. Not only do my ears need to hear the truth but in doing so, I am reminding God of His promises and reminding Satan that God has already won the battle. Isaiah 54:17 (NLT) But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken! This is our promised assurance as His sons and daughters.

Don’t buy into the lie that says there’s no hope or future for you. Push back! Even though gloom and doom is all around us, we don’t have to partake of its negativity. We serve a GOOD God who has empowered us to be over comers IN THIS WORLD.  You have nothing to fear!  Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD.” They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

When I am overwhelmed with bad news, I fix my eyes on Jesus who has promised to rescue me. After casting my cares on Him, I visualize myself hiding under His wings of care and protection. It’s then that I begin to feel the stress melt away. I surrender the battle strategies and victory to the Lord, for He alone will do it. Psalm 36:7 (AMP) How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings Psalm 91:1 HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty…whose power no foe can withstand.  It’s an act of faith to let God be God…. and He wants to be God in every part of your life…. to bring you peace, joy, hope and rest in the middle of a chaotic world.

Believe and expect God to carry you through each day and in each situation …whether you feel like it’s a “good” day or a “bad” day. Psalm 91:14
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name and has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness – trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no never.  His love for you will never fail!  

Psalm 91:15-16 (AMP) He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation. Thank you, Jesus!

Hear the song I wrote about God’s protection called Great Defender from the

You Are The One CD.  See the music video

Great Defender is available on CD – Go to store now

Great Defender – MP3 download – Buy Online

Great Defender – Free Leadsheet – Download now

 

 

 

 

Comments

  1. THANK YOU for this today! Seriously I have recently felt like God has abandoned me… very dark time in my life. And your song… well it just is AWESOME! Pray for me if you think of it.. I am one of your biggest fans..

    • Hi Liz…thanks for your note. I understand….how satan tries to steal every thing good in our lives! BUT GOD has promised restoration, redemption and to turn even the worst of things into good things – Rom 8:28. Because He is a good God!!! And He loves you so much…every minute of every day. There isn’t a second of your life that He doesn’t cherish His handiwork – YOU.
      I pray the encouragement of the Lord will fill you right now ….and every time you need it…in Jesus name.
      Many blessings to you.
      Leann

  2. Excellent encouragement! There is truth and wisdom in it and if we follow the truth that you have spoken then we will be set free. I could feel myself be encouraged as I read this…this is from God. Thank you my friend. The Lord has used you to build up the Body. Love and Blessing to you. Lee

    • Dear Lee….I was so honored that you took the time to read my article. I am glad you were encouraged.
      Love you and Jack lots!
      Lean

  3. rich courtney says

    Having been consistently under a spirit of oppression that has kept me from living in the promises of The Lord and exercising my gifts and talents, I find these words that you have brought to us today to be of comfort and uplifting. Thank you Leann.

    • Thanks for your note, Rich. I pray that the Lord continues to encourage and lift your heart to His. He loves you so much!!
      You are precious to Him for He made you in His image. That’s truth with sustaining power.
      Many blessings to you.
      Leann

  4. Jim Brubaker says

    Preach it, sister! I would add 3 John 2–above all things, God desires that we would prosper and be in health.
    Good summary of His will towards us.

  5. Christi Bovee says

    Wow, was this timely for me today! Thanks for reminding me of who I am, who HE is and the POWER that is available NOW to push back the darkness. Walking in that today. I appreciate you writing this. Blessings!

    • Hi Christi….thanks for your note.
      I’m just walking out what I’m living…it’s a daily decision to believe.
      Stay strong and courageous!!
      Blessings.
      Leann

    • I am a fellow fan of Beth Moore and oeenyjd going through her Believing God bible study a couple of years ago. If you don’t mind me adding my two-cents I think you have a good plan going progress requires practicality like the specific ways you want to pursue a goal and once you’ve set those standards it’s important to keep your focus on Christ rather than on the problem so that the issue doesn’t hold you back from experiencing other kinds of opportunities as you deal with it. Your beautiful spirit and the touch of God on your life shines through even through a blog! God Bless!!

      • Great words of encouragement too, Andria. Life is a journey of learning, isn’t it? Just hang on….change is here to stay. LOL!
        Jesus is always there and carries us through though.
        Thanks for your post.
        Many blessings to you.
        Leann

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