Deuteronomy 31:8
“The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
The last entry addressed the topic of The Lord going ahead of us. Today we’ll stay with it, but speak more to the larger troubles and difficult people we may encounter.
Ephesians 6:13 speaks of the difficult day, “Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.” There will be difficult days. Even worse, there will be rough seasons.
Those that live on the coastal south experience the occasional hurricane. It may be once in a decade, but it usually comes. These are tough times that rock their worlds.
These difficult times can be life altering. The damage may last for a while. We gain new perspectives, we respect the difficulties more. Sometimes there is lasting sorry or bitterness. Healing takes time.
When these times come, it’s difficult to understand that The Lord has gone ahead and allowed this. Our faith is tested. “How could God have allowed this?” Some pull back and follow God differently.
These times will come and it’s best to cling to The Lord. Doubts and questions will arise. Ask them, address them, share these with those that care, but stay close to God. He says these times will come, but He says He’ll bring us through.
There aren’t good alternatives. The disciples were having a rough day and Jesus asked if they were going to leave Him. Peter responded, “Where should we go? Only You have the words of eternal life”John 6:68. The say is true for us. All the other options end in emptiness.
Lord, help us in these times. Difficult days will come. Thanks that You’ve prepared the way and will be with us. Help us to hold fast to You.