“…When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior…”  

(Isa. 43:1-3).

We live in a world full of evil, evil persons, demons and Satan. That’s enough to bring us trouble/hard times. And so the question is not “if” we will go through hard times but “when”; for hard times will certainly come. The dark moment could be financial, loss of a job, relationship, health, family, political instability, e.t.c.

Sometimes dark moments in our lives can cause us to question God’s power, goodness/love, understanding, and presence. But we need the right responses/attitudes to be able to discern purpose of God’s working through our pain or challenges. Therefore,

How should we respond when we go through hard times?

1. Remember God is with us even in our hard times– During hard times we often ask, “where is God? Does he know what I am going through? and if so, Does he care?” The Bible assures us of God’s enduring presence even in times of difficulty. He does not abandon us. He does not allow Satan have a field day on us. He is Jehovah Shammah-the Lord who is present; He is Emmanuel- God with us.

He has promised, “never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb 13:5). Therefore trust in his power to deliver you. Prayers are not platforms to give God ‘breaking news’ or updates concerning our sorrowful condition but an opportunity to show our utter dependence on Him no matter what.

Read here the things God cannot do

2. Learn to see God at work–

God is at work every time, everywhere and in different ways. The problem is that sometimes we are like Elijah, expecting God to work in preconceived pattern. Indeed, God is a God of surprises; he surprised Elijah by revealing his presence in ways Elijah did not expect. A great and powerful wind passed but the Lord was not in it, it was followed by earthquake, and fire-but the Lord was not in them all. Instead he revealed his presence in a gentle whisper (1Kings 19:11-12).

Open your eyes wide to behold God’s wondrous working. In your dark time, He may in his providence sent people, friends, or community of believers to make your journey bearable; or to give you encouragement and motivation needed to take you through your dark moment. He may also perform a miracle that can turn around your dark moment; and praise the Lord when that happens. In other times God, in his providence can say “my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9); and gives you sufficient grace to go through a hard time.

In either way, God is actively at work in your dark moments. You should be able to discern God’s working and be encouraged and thank him that He is not in a lalaland (slumber land) but actively at work in your situation.

2. Be able to trust the Word of God– :

We must cling to God’s word when we go through hard times. The nature of your situation, or the length, and intensity of your dark moments cannot eclipse God’s promise. The Word of God is powerful, alive, and active. Instead of thinking of your problems over and over again, seek to meditate upon God’s Word over and over.

Remember the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness (2 Pet. 3:9), there is a reason and purpose why God, a good Shepherd would allow you to go through a dark valley. He will keep his promise to protect, sustain, provide, rescue, restore, heal, bless, uplift, and open doors. In your hard moments, learn to treasure God’s word and cling unto it (Refer Ps. 119).

3. Expect God to turn your situation for your own good-

God has promised in his word to turn evil intended against us for our own good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his promise” (Rom. 8:28). It says that in ALL things God works for good. He is able to bring beauty out of ash. He is able to deliver you. Keep your hope alive each day because your morning is dawning. Do not look up to people to save you or rely on your knowledge, experience or connections. Instead, surrender it all to God who is all-powerful.

As a matter of fact he turned the evil that was intended against Joseph for his good and for the salvation of many. The brothers of Joseph sold him because of their hatred and envy but God used this evil as raw materials for Joseph’s success and salvation of many people. Retrospectively, Joseph confessed to his brothers,  “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good” Gen 50:20).

Never underestimate God’s power to change your situation in a turn-around manner. He is the same God who creates out of nothing. He is the One who calls into being what is not. God used the cross- in what people saw as defeat, weakness and shame- to bring about victory and salvation to many (Acts 3:12-26). God is achieving something powerful through your current situation. Keep the focus; for God can work out his purposes irrespective of men’s machinations.

But this requires patience and perseverance to wait upon the Lord. And waiting is not easy; only courageous people wait.

5. Every experience you go through matters to your destiny–

Hard times sometimes presents us breaking or making moments. Some situations you face can be key defining moment for your life. It can be God’s credibility test for your promotion. He never takes you through a valley devoid of purpose. Therefore approach your dark moment with an attitude of seeking to understand what God is teaching you.

You pain is valid, never waste it.

The former experience of Moses in Pharaoh’s household and in the wilderness was formative for his destiny as a leader of the Israel nation. The wanderings of David in the desert and hideouts from King Saul shaped his character in preparation for his kingship. The multiple predicaments of Joseph helped him develop and understand the Egyptian culture before becoming their prime minister. He learned to take commands before he was elevated to a position of issuing edicts/commands. Every dark moment you go through counts for your destiny. Your experiences is building you up into something God is preparing your for/to be. Be patient and cooperate with God.

6. Every dark moment of your life has an expiry date–

The hard times we go through in this life aren’t permanent. It isn’t going to last for life. They are momentary. Joy comes in the morning. David asserted, “even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for you are with me” (Ps. 23:4). Mark the word through. The ‘valley of the shadow of death’ is not your destination; you only pass through it. Victory is awaiting you on the other side. Keeping on hoping to see light at the end of the tunnel; God’s help is near. God is at work. God isn’t going to allow evil to prevail for long. In meantime, like the experience of Jesus at the cross, it may seem that evil prevails, but God’s decisive action and vindication ensues. God’s appointed time is coming. When he comes; he will vindicate you and wipe all your tears away.

7. Your response during dark moment matters-

A dark moment is a time of decision. It is a time to choose between submitting to God’s authority or your own ways to maneuver the situation. Some people choose to respond with doubt, anger, others with fear, blame, and others with trust. You need to have the right attitude; the right framework of mind and heart to be able to benefit and learn from what God is teaching you. Choose to trust in him.

Read here on the attitude of faith

Read here on the attitude of submission

Read here on attitude of gratitude