In the Difficult TImes

John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. 

I remember going through labor with my oldest son. It got difficult towards the end. My water had broke the night before. And it was the evening the next day. I was tired and over it. Ready to push and be done. Then the midwife informed me that he was facing the wrong way and that was making things more difficult. I remember having the thought: "I am going to be stuck like this for ever."

Here on this side of things it seems ridiculous but at the time it seemed absolutely plausible, and even likely, that I was going to be trapped in labor forever.

Do you know the feeling? When you are in the midst of things, it can feel like it will last for ever. Whatever may be weighing on your heart - know - it will not be forever. 

Things will be better and somehow, even when we can't see how, we can trust him to be true to his word and work it for the good. 

It’s been over seven years since my son was born and it’s been more than worth the difficulties in labor. I am so grateful for my awesome son. 

I wonder what other things are like that and we don't even know it. Just labor pains for something wonderful but we can’t see past the now to fathom the later. But what if we could? What if we somehow stepped out of our difficult situations and decided to see things through eyes of faith. Knowing that it won’t last forever. Knowing that good will come from it. And maybe that sort of attitude is a key for getting through difficult times - even Christ like.

Hebrews 12:2 KJV speaks on how we can run with patience. "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame . . .

What is this joy set before him? What could have possibly made the suffering of the cross worth it and easier to bear? You! Jesus understood that his burden was hard to bear but it was temporary and worth it because of you.

If you have been walking with God for a while, remember his faithfulness. He has come through before and he will come through again.

If you are a new believer, get in your word and spend time with him. Our God is good and powerful. He is not a man that he should lie (Numbers 23:19) and he has promised that he will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5) and is working things for the good (Romans 8:28).