Tragedy and Calamity
If you allow it, tragedy can pull you closer to the Lord than you’ve ever been. God doesn’t leave you in hard times, He comes closer and He stays nearer.
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Tough Stuff
A crisis is any event that leads, or is expected to lead to, an unstable and dangerous situation, which affects an individual, family, group, community or society as a whole. Crises are deemed to be negative changes in life especially when they occur abruptly. Since a crisis is a testing time or an emergency event, we may panic, become stressed, or struggle to cope as a result.
Regardless of the reason for the crisis God is always in control. He cares about what we are going through (1 Peter 5:7) and He never forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). God provides grace for our times of need if we humbly look to Him (John 15:5; Philippians 4:13). That grace can manifest itself in whatever we need: peace (Isaiah 26:3), comfort (Psalm 23:4), stability, protection, or guidance (Psalm 31:3). He will strengthen and uphold us (Isaiah 41:10). God also assures us that He can work in and through the crisis for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
Second-Guessing Self-Pity
When times are tough it’s easy to get lost in self-pity. But instead of dwelling on your problems, think about others. When you choose to help others even though you’re struggling you are choosing to rise above your situation. You’re choosing victory instead of defeat.
When Catastrophe Strikes
In the midst of catastrophe your priorities change. You find the things once important to you are now insignificant. And you become more sensitive to God—you learn to trust Him like never before.
Four Characteristics of Catastrophe
Catastrophes don’t usually give advanced warning. But you can be prepared—faith in Christ will help you weather the storms of life. He promises to always be with you and never leave you.
Learning from the Crosses
When we meet with trials our typical response is resistance. But trials have a purpose, they help us mature and they teach us to depend on God.
Gumption
Facing a massive project ahead? Having a hard time getting started on it or sticking with it? Chuck Swindoll gives some advice to help you keep plugging away at it.
What is Your Final Authority?
When times are tough what matters is your focus. If you focus on your problems they’ll seem insurmountable. If you focus on God you’re trusting Him for the outcome. And nothing is impossible for God.
Press On
Grinding away at a task—or a relationship—that doesn't seem to be yielding the desired results? Chuck Swindoll has just the words you need to hear to keep working on it in this month's Video Insight.
Sharing the Journey
God never intended for us to walk the Christian life alone. As believers, we are called to share both the joys and the burdens—the stories of His faithfulness as well as the seasons when we need prayer, encouragement, and support.
It's Always Something!
Trials. Challenges. Hardships. There will always be tough stuff in life. So what is there to do? God tells us to let go, and trust Him completely.
