The Key to Surviving Tough Times
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.
