Do you struggle sometimes? Are things hard sometimes? Everything not going smoothly at work or in your business? Do you and your spouse sometimes argue about the stupidest thing? Do you feel that you’ve taken enough knocks from life now and just want to take a breather? Are you sometimes, or right now, up to here with one onslaught after the other?

If one, some or all of the above are true, I have news for you: Welcome to the fellowship of Christians! If you commit to living fully with God, you can know for sure that you will be travelling off-road some of the time. Even Paul was muddling along on the gravel rather than the tarred road!

Paul worked extremely hard for God. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, he must to date be the one person who had made the Gospel spread and grow throughout the world the most. He could’ve expected a soft landing. But no. ²…We had just been given rough treatment in Philippi, as you know, but that didn’t slow us down. We were sure of ourselves in God, and went right ahead and said our piece, presenting God’s Message to you, defiant of the opposition.

Nobody’s teacher’s pet here! So, if like me, you had to tackle the dirt roads recently, don’t worry. You’re in good company. On the other hand, if you haven’t hit the dirt roads that often in your life yet, you should probably be a little concerned. Maybe you don’t worry Satan that much. Apologies if I’ve hit the wrong button now!

I think what Paul succeeded in doing was to look past the circumstances in which he found himself. He believed in the message he had to share. He believed that God had called him. He believed that God could take a crooked stick like him and hit a straight shot. He held onto God and this strengthened his faith. It didn’t matter how bad his circumstances were, he pushed forward even when everything was against him.

And this is exactly what we should do. Don’t stare yourself blind against your circumstances. Believe in God’s message of salvation with everything in you. Believe that God has called you, right there where you are now. Believe that God can take crooked sticks like us and hit a straight shot. Hold onto God and know that it will strengthen your faith. Yes, it doesn’t matter how bad our circumstances are, even if many are against us, we can and will push forward and get to the other side. Alive.

I always say we should do what is possible and leave the impossible to God. And that is also true here. What can I do in the circumstances I find myself in now? Maybe everything looks impossible, but just look around you. Although the doors may be locked tight with chains and bolts, there might be an open window somewhere.

Maybe you should ask someone for advice. Maybe a friend or colleague has the solution you’re looking for. Pray to God for wisdom. Pray that He will show you the way. Ask Him to strengthen your faith. One day you will look back and see how God has carried you during that time. And you will give all the glory to Him.

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Reflection

What do your circumstances look like?

How strong is your faith?

Do you trust God to guide you?

Prayer

Father, I need You to guide me. Please help me! Lead me and show me the way. Open my ears and eyes. Show me where I have to go. Amen.