In the Midst of It

I sometimes think that when things continue to go bad in my life, the lesson I haven't learned is to let go. I'm not able to control everything, I need to turn it entirely over to Heavenly Father. Yes, easier said than done I KNOW! But I've learned to read the scriptures every morning before I start my day (there is incredible power in His word) and pray throughout the day when I become overwhelmed.

I think of how Paul was able to sing praises to God while he was locked in prison, beaten, tortured and still find the peace to sing in the midst of it.

How Daniel, a faithful servant, would not stop praying to God even though he knew he could be killed, he prayed boldly, with the windows open for all to see. He was thrown into a lions den, never worrying or doubting, just praying with continued faith in the midst of his supposed imminent death. He was saved through his unwavering faith and trust.

Job, a faithful man, who was stripped of his wealth, homeless and riddled with sores and wounds, was told by his friends and wife to curse God and die, but he refused. He continued on in faith and trust knowing that it was for a purpose in which he didn't understand. He was eventually blessed beyond his wildest dreams.

God's own son, our Savior Jesus Christ, bled from every pore and suffered and died on the cross for our sins, shouting out in his darkest hour, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Ultimately saving each and every one of us through the power of His sacrifice.

God could have stopped each of these events, but every situation was for a purpose, a purpose beyond our comprehension. We can now read these historical stories in the Bible and see why they happened. We have these past examples to help us get through our difficulties. It serves as a reminder to constantly pray, read the scriptures, and lean on the Lord in our darkest hours, for He alone can ease our pain & suffering, bringing us to a place where we can even sing His praises in the midst of our trials.

Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.
Hebrews 4:1-2

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16

Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case - things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
Hebrews 6:9-12