DEALING WITH HARD TIMES (I)

Read Daniel 3:12-18

MEMORISE: Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident  (Psalms 27:3)

EXPOSITION

Strong or great Christian life is not measured by our attitudes when things go well, but the way we react when times are difficult. Unlike Job, many of us usually fail God, during hard times. Since we are in this body, hard times are inevitable (Jn. 16:33; Phil. 1:29; 1 Pet. 5:10). They are part of our existence, and manifest in various forms. Majorly, the devil and the host of darkness, take advantage of difficult or hard times to press the believer to quit his faith.

We are going to examine today, some of the things we need to do to cope with difficult times. Let us take a cue from David. He faced so many heart-breaking and faith-shaking challenges. As a child, he was left alone with sheep in the wilderness. He had to face deadly wild animals, as a shepherd boy. Providentially, today happens to be the World Wildlife Day. At 17, he defended his nation as he conquered an uncircumcised giant and lots more. David said, 'Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident,' because of the situation he found himself, then. David was so determined, that was why he won all the battles and threats against him. David's determination made him prevail against all his foes, and that gave him victory over all his difficulties.

The three Hebrew boys, who saw death face to face, were likewise strong and determined in the face of affliction. The wicked king did all he could to convince them to change their mind and bow down to his image but with strong determination, they decided to face his fearful judgment than to sin against God. At last, they won the battle and saw the end of the hard times. Hard times will surely come. But let your determination be stronger than your hard times.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, make me so determined to stand for You, in the face of even heart-rendering adversities masterminded by the devil, to pitch me against You.

2. Give believers, O Lord, victory over those threats and challenges they are facing in life.

3. Pray for communities that are being threatened by the invasion of wild animals, that God should ensure their safety, henceforth.

EXTRA READING: Numbers 9 - 10 & Luke 20

Remain blessed!