“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:17)
All those with disabilities and chronic afflictions face times when stressful events, a new diagnosis, setbacks, and other added burdens take a bad situation and make it worse. In such times we may face a faith crisis.
I don’t like surprises, and I’m not a huge fan of change. I like things to be dependable and reliable. I like set schedules, and “monkey wrenches” are my enemy. But what I dislike most is when I feel that I’m finally getting my feet under me, when I’m beginning to “catch my breath” and feel that I can actually begin to enjoy my life a bit–then I’m slammed with something that either sets me back, or makes the way forward much more difficult.
Change is a part of life, we cannot avoid it. Change can keep us fresh, reignite our energies, bring new opportunities. But not all change is good. Sometimes we find our faith seriously challenged. How can God allow these added problems into our lives? How can we keep the faith when our faith seems too small for the tasks ahead?
One thing that helps me immensely is to look back at past accomplishments, to review dark times when everything seemed against me, when there was no light at the end of the tunnel, yet God miraculously brought me through. Remind yourself of the successes in your life, the many times things could have gone badly but God pulled you through. Add up your victories and consider whether the current challenges and added hardships can compare to what you have already survived and overcome.
Not everyone has faced down death in the lives, but if you have, what challenge can really compare to that? I remind myself of that often. But even if you have not faced death, your Lord and Master Jesus Christ has, and there is nothing He cannot overcome.
Since you belong to Jesus, He will enable you to overcome the added challenges and difficulties in your life. Remind yourself of that truth often, especially if you find yourself in a faith crisis. And if Jesus is not your Lord, what are you waiting for? I guarantee you He will give you strength in your affliction, peace in your times of fear, and faith to enable you to overcome the challenges in your life.
We cannot avoid changes and challenges in life, but obstacles need not cause us to have a faith crisis. Strengthen your faith by reading the Bible, by praying, by sharing your concerns with God, and always remind yourself of the many difficulties Christ has already brought you through.
Prayer: Dear Lord, be the Lord of our life, and enable us to keep the faith through all of the challenges we face. Amen.
About the author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. Jesus is his Lord and he calls upon the Lord often in times that challenge his faith.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
Is Jesus the Lord of your life? Have you asked Him to give you strength and faith for your challenges?
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 
‘One thing that helps me immensely is to look back at past accomplishments, to review dark times when everything seemed against me, when there was no light at the end of the tunnel, yet God miraculously brought me through. Remind yourself of the successes in your life, the many times things could have gone badly but God pulled you through. Add up your victories and consider whether the current challenges and added hardships can compare to what you have already survived and overcome.’
This is so true…! Thanks for a highly inspiring post..!:)
Thanks Smilingsunshinegirl! By the way, love the name 🙂
Karlton
Thanks much, karlton…:):
I was doubting god all day. Just wondering why the bible says so many positive things about strength from god when we are going through tough situations, but if I am to be totally honest, it seems like hes not really d ok ing what the bible says. It seems I auffer endl wes ssly when the bible claims I should be living a victorious life. Im not receiving the promises in my lifr, but am trying and trusting constantly. I just dont get it!
Angel, life can get discouraging, even for Christians. I like the Book of Job because it shows that even good people sometimes suffer many challenges.
I pray God will give you comfort and strength.
Karlton
Dear Angel,
I’ve experienced similar times of great trials. Like January 2010 when my husband learned his job (of 29 yrs.) was going to be eliminated the following year. Or when I realized I had to give up teaching second graders. Because of my MS I didn’t have the physical stamina needed to do the job.
On the last day at school, my coworkers gave me a plaque that said:
God didn’t promise days without pain,
Laughter without sorrow,
Nor sun without rain.
But He did promise
Strength for today,
Comfort for tears,
And light for the way.
Joni Eareckson Tada is one of my favorite authors. She’s like a modern-day Job. She knows a thing or two about suffering. Maybe you’re familiar with her story. When she was a teenager she broke her neck diving into water. Instantly she was paralyzed.
Unable to move in the hospital, she couldn’t even kill herself. She struggled with all the whys.
She knew the verse in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
She certainly didn’t feel thankful. Out of obedience, she gave thanks to God in her circumstances. She learned that the feeling of gratitude came later.
Her circumstances didn’t change. But God blessed her with supernatural peace and joy that can only come from Him – in the midst of her affliction.
Perhaps her books will minister to you as they have spoken to my heart. Whenever I read her words, I can’t shout back, “Oh, that’s easy for you to say!”
When it’s hard to see God’s plan in our lives, He’s gracious to give us His love with skin on…through other people.
Here’s a hug from me reaching out to you (through your computer).