Hebrews 11:23-20
Tough times are inescapable. “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Every one of us will experience periods in our lives when living is hard. Financial pressure, family trouble, health issues, business difficulties, opposition within the church – the list of potential problems we could face is endless. It is, therefore, essential that we learn to respond God’s way.
Tough times can either develop or destroy us. Have you ever noticed how people respond differently to the same difficult situation? Some grow more focused while others fall apart or are even destroyed by the trial. How we respond depends on our perspective: are we God-centered or trouble-centered?
Tough times are conquerable. The key to surviving tough times is learning to walk in continual awareness of the presence of God. Moses demonstrated this in seeking to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. He had learned to “see” our invisible God walking by His side and to be constantly mindful of His presence. Moses didn’t focus on the Egyptians, Pharaoh’s power, or even the Israelites he was leading. His focus was upon God.
How aware are you of the Lord’s presence? Are you worrying less because you’re thinking more about His sovereignty? Are your fears receding as you consciously believe in His protection and all-sufficiency? Moses did not start out with this awareness of God; he learned it. We, too, will learn as we deliberately seek our Lord’s presence.
