Difficulties

Isaiah 41:10 AMPC

Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.

This verse has carried me through many a trial in life.

While we live in this fallen world, trials will never cease - sorry to be the bearer of bad news!!

Yet, what does our precious Lord promise?

"I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties"...

How can this be, when sometimes we feel it's all too much?

When I first learnt the guitar - the tips of my fingers became blistered from pressing down on the strings.

For a time it really hurt to practice and continue to hold down those strings to form the chords.

But, after a while, those blisters became calloused and hard so that it no longer hurt.

Then I could form those chords with ease, as long as I kept playing the guitar.

In the same way, God promises to strengthen and harden us as we press on through life's difficulties.

At first it seems impossible to make it through maybe an illness, bereavement, marriage break up or job loss.

However, as we keep our eyes on Jesus and trust Him, those difficulties draw us closer to Him.

We become stronger through those very trials that threatened to destroy us:

James 1:2-3 AMPC

Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations. [3] Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.