Joshua 1:7-9, “Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success.  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

     Everybody has a struggle of some sort today, whether it’s heartache, physical struggles, or emotional battles; they may be going through a season of one raging storm after the next in their life, maybe it’s finances, the list could go on and on. What are we supposed to do with all that comes our way? I know that the usual quick answer that is thrown at people who are struggling is, “Well, just give it to the Lord and leave it there.” I agree, BUT what else? We all know there’s more. What do you do when you have reached that point where you feel like just one more thing is going to break you? You’ve reached what feels like the absolute limit with everything, then what? Where is God anyway? There’s more to all that you are facing, and I can assure you, because I’ve been there, there’s hope! Rest assured, that if you are His child, God hasn’t left your side! He sees, and He wants you to cling to Him and His Word because He has a plan!

     You know that life is full of changing seasons, and sometimes, just as it is with the weather, those seasons have their surprises and ups and downs. So, when you feel as though you have been almost beaten to death by the storm, how can you get to the other side of it all and not come out embarrassed for having reacted poorly? Have you ever done that? Something hits you like a ton of bricks, and you know your faith and trust are being tested, but your reaction leaves you knowing…I’m going to have to face that somehow again because I acted like a toddler. Most situations God allows in our lives are opportunities to grow in our relationship with Him. He loves you so much, and He wants a deeper relationship with you, one where you know that no matter what, He’s got you! He is with you. God is always faithful, and nothing takes Him by surprise. Keep this verse in mind: if you have accepted Him as your Savior, then you are His, and He is your God who promises to vindicate and deliver you in His perfect timing, so allow Him to use this to help you grow:

Exodus 6:7, “Then I will take you as My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the labors of the Egyptians.”

     Allow His Word to give you the confidence, strength, and courage you need to face whatever satan is trying to throw at you. The enemy is working overtime because he knows his time is short. Spiritual attacks are constant, so snuggle up to God and allow Him to guide you through the good, the bad, and the absolutely ugly stuff that comes your way.  Yes! Give it all to Him and leave it there, but allow Him to use this time to make you stronger and to guide you into all He has created you to be and do! More than ever, we need to rise up, armed and equipped by Jesus, as it says in Ephesians 6. He created you to be an Overcomer! Don’t lie prostrate before the enemy! He knows that he is already defeated! Remember too that God is the Creator and satan is created, there is no comparison! The battle was won before it began by our Father in Heaven!

Walk in His power, and confidence that you are not alone, He is by your side, and He will never leave you. Trust Him and draw near to Him! Resist the devil who feeds you the lies about yourself and your situation, and he will flee from you! (James 4:7) God’s best is yet to come ~ let’s be working, watching, and overcoming with great anticipation of His return!