When The Bottom Falls Out
I am sure you have heard these words, when someone has experienced a trial that happened suddenly. They didn't see it coming. They had plans to accomplish something, and then out of the blue something occurred that changed the whole trajectory of things. And now they are asking the question: "What am I going to do now? This just happened to me recently, and I can tell you, that it felt like "the bottom really fell out of things." How do you deal with something like this? It takes awhile to get over the shock.
Life’s trials can feel overwhelming, but the Bible offers wisdom and encouragement for navigating difficult times. Here are a few biblical truths that speak to enduring hardships:
James 1:2-3 – "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." This verse reminds us that trials refine and strengthen our faith. My sister reminded me that I need to not dwell on the negative, but focus on the positive. To remember that through this trial, and every trial, God is strengthening our faith, and helping us to mature as Christians.
1 Peter 5:10 – "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." This verse reassures us that suffering is temporary, and God will restore us. Yes. this was a set-back, but it isn't the end of the world. Even though you go through a time of suffering, such as great anxiety, stress, disappointment, and despair, God will not leave you there. He will in His time, restore, and help us to be strong, firm, and steadfast. And we need to remember as Christians, we are always walking in God's grace, as we walk in our calling to the Lord's eternal glory in Christ.
Romans 5:3-4 – "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." This passage highlights how trials shape our character and deepen our hope. I know that when I go through a trial such as this, my character is not very good. I overwhelm myself with doubt and anxiety. I become angry, and lash out at the people I love. I don't mean to, but I allow my emotions to dominate my actions, and I make the situation much worse than it is. Have you been there? Trials are certainly a test of character, and a test to see if we are displaying hope instead of despair.
Psalm 46:1 – "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This verse reminds us that God is always with us, offering strength and protection. I am sure that I am not the only one that does this, but when "the bottom falls out of things," I tend to leave God out of the situation all together. I bury myself in my anxiety and despair. We always need to remember that the world, even though it has good intentions, can in no way be the refuge, strength, and ever-present help we need. Only God can be that for us. We have to learn to abide in the Lord, all through the time we are dealing with this trial. If we are going to find any peace in the midst of a trial, this is what we must do!
Isaiah 40:31 – "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint." This verse encourages us to trust in God’s strength during hardships. The eagle has always been an inspiration to me. When they get ready to soar over the treacherous mountains and hills, they wait for the air current to catch their wings, and away they go. Flying is never a challenge, when they are being lifted by the winds to heights unimaginable. Yes, the Lord, can be the wind beneath our wings, if only we will let Him!
I remember a washing machine we had when we were first married. We moved to different locations to serve churches during our time of pastoral ministry. After using that little washing machine at three different churches. When the washing machine was unloaded at the location or our third ministry, the bottom fell out of that washer. It had wore out so badly, that it didn't even make it off the truck. We can get so overwhelmed with the pressure of a trial, that we just feel like caving in. I hope these Scriptures will help us to not do that, but to fully trust in God's wisdom, strength, and eternal love.
What would we do without the Lord?
Has the pressure of a trial really tried to break you down?
Put your trust in Jesus, let Him be your support in this dark time.
He will always be there to strengthen you, because His love always abounds!
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