Rising Above Difficult Seasons

  My family is going through a difficult season. I have been struggling to find my footing in the chaos. While it is a spiritual attack, I can see now our enemy was prowling around waiting for an opportune time to attack and devour (Luke 4:13; 1 Peter 5:8). I realize, I am not alone. Someone reading this may need to hear the same things that are bringing me comfort in this excruciating trial.

   “No weapon formed against you will prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). It does not matter who forms the weapon. Sometimes we feel like maybe we have formed the weapon and placed it in the enemy’s hands. The question becomes, Lord, will the weapon I formed also not prosper?

   “No weapon, My child. No weapon formed against you will prosper.” The scripture is clear. Of course, sin needs to be dealt with. We are not talking about willful sin or claiming Christianity but living a sin-filled life.

   “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purposes” (Romans 8:28). If you are a Christ follower, this verse applies to you, your life, and your circumstances right now. Don’t allow yourself to be caught up in the view of the chaos swirling about you. Look up. Keep your eye on the horizon and expect God to show up for you, in you, and through you. He will work it out for your good.

   Paul tells us when God raised Jesus from the dead He “seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places far above all principalities and power and might and dominion” (Ephesians 1:21, 22). He continues this train of thought by telling us when we are in Christ, we are seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6). We cannot meet the challenges we face with our feet flat on the ground. We must remember Whose we are and where He sits, then remember we sit with Him – in Him.

   Ask God to help you rise to your seat in Christ far above all principalities, powers, and such, so you can see from His perspective. Remember all of your days were written in His book before the foundations of the world (Psalms 139:16). He is not playing catch up in this crisis nor was He caught off guard by it. He knows the rest of the story. He knew the plan to remedy your situation and mine before He spoke light into existence. His plans include redemptive and restorative works. They may not look exactly the way we hoped or imagined, but we can be assured His best for us and those affected by us is His purpose. He is able to bring it to a good conclusion.

   This is where we find rest, knowing He is fully aware, fully prepared, and fully able – and He has been for an eternity. He knows the final result and He knows its timing. He knows how He wants to grow you and me through our experiences. He also knows how He wants to use us to display His glory in and through our situations, as well.

   Maybe we need to change our prayers from, “God save” to “God, how can I become a part of your redemptive and restorative plan?” I’m seeking the place of serving amid a deeply painful and humbling circumstance. I more so want to rise above it through humbling myself before the Father (and people) and seeking how I might serve Him through it. When I would rather run away and hide, how can I sit in heavenly places with Him through this season? Finally, I need to remember it is just a season (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). It will pass. It will leave a mark, but I pray I find my way through it in such a way that it leaves a mark of God’s glory on it.

   Whatever struggles you find yourself in today, keep your eyes on the horizon, not on the chaos (Psalms 121:1). His help will come, it was on the way before the troubles started. He is for you and not against you. He is trustworthy and faithful. You can rely on Him. Rest in Him and give Him your trust.

“God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn” (Psalms 46:5).