The following is a synopsis of Monday night’s Bible study of Loving God with All Your Mind, by Elizabeth George
Enduring difficult times
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Here are The ABC’s of handling difficulty:
Acknowledge God in all your circumstances.
What we think about God is vital when we enter a difficult time. Nothing random ever happens to a child of God. He takes full responsibility over His children. Even when we can’t understand what’s happening, we must acknowledge Him. This takes care of blaming. Why would we blame people? The economy? Circumstances? He takes responsibility. “Look to me. I am doing this.” He is good. He is a stronghold in the day of trouble. Rom 12:2…what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Bloom where you are planted.
Jer. 29:4 –Jeremiah told these people who were in captivity – “build houses and live. Plant gardens and eat the fruit of them. Get married and have sons and daughters. If you’re going to be here for 70 years, make it count.” Practice your priorities. Bear fruit in the land of your affliction. Don’t wait for things to get better.
Ask yourself: “What can I do to make a difference?”
Concentrate on the promises of God.
His promises will clear your thinking and renew your confidence in God. Concentrate even when you can’t see the light. II Cor 12:9 – My grace is sufficient. Concentrating on the promises will get you through.
Do something useful.
Again, Jeremiah tells the people to get busy. Be useful as a wife. We are on assignment from God to help our husband. Nurture and raise your children. It’s something that counts; to give the world a family who loves God and walks with Him is amazing. Regardless of marital status, we are to be useful to the Body of Christ. God desires our usefulness, no matter what. People change. Places may change. Seasons change. Conditions change, but God always wants us to be doing something useful.
Expect to become a masterpiece. Someone saw Michael Angelo hammering away at a piece of marble and begged him to stop. Michael said, “ I see an angel in there and I’ve got to get him out!” It’s a painful process, but it’s then that a masterpiece can be created. You are a masterpiece because you are in Christ!
What great advice for us in hard times! Follow the simplicity of these steps, with the Lord’s help, and become what He wants you to be during this hard period in your life. God bless you as you desire to bring glory to Him!
With love,
RefreshHer 