Facing difficulties….

When we are in a crisis or are facing difficulties of some kind, or when we simply need direction in a matter, there are some things we can ask the Lord for which will help us to receive His very best.

First, we can ask the Lord for His perspective. Oftentimes, our view of a situation can be distorted by our emotions or strong desires. That’s one of the reasons why the apostle James instructed us to pray for wisdom whenever we are in a trial. He wrote: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5 NIV) The Lord will tell us the plain truth about our situation, and about our best options, if we ask Him to. Having God’s perspective in a situation is essential because it will help to determine our response. And our response is critical because it will determine our outcome.

God’s perspective will also enable us to adopt a thankful heart, to find something to be grateful for in our situation, something to praise Him for. Scripture says: “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV) A thankful heart not only pleases God, but it opens the door to His miracle-working power.

Secondly, we can ask the Lord for a promise for our situation. Asking Him for His promise is another way we can gain His perspective for our situation. God’s will for us is always victory, and He desires to give us His word of promise for our situation to fill us with hope, and to point us in the right direction. His promise reveals what it is He wants us to believe Him for. He challenges us in this way so that our faith in Him and His Word will grow.

God’s promises give us hope in seemingly hopeless situations. The author of Psalm 119 wrote: “Remember Your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.” (Psalm 119:49-50 NLT) God’s promises have the power to raise our “hope level”. And having hope in our hearts can make the difference between victory and defeat. One promise that you and I can claim in every situation is Romans 8:28 (NLT): “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” In every trial, I like to declare, “God is good, and He will work this out for my good!”

Lastly, we can ask the Lord for His power. The apostle Paul was the perfect example of a victorious Christian. He lived his life totally dependent upon God and His strength, and some of his most heartfelt prayers asked for power for other believers. “[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy.” (Colossians 1:11 AMP) Once we have God’s perspective and promise for our situation, we can ask for His strength and power to do our part in the process of gaining the victory, even if it’s just to wait upon the Lord in faith until He acts on our behalf. Failing to wait upon God can make matters worse and lead to defeat.

No matter what you are facing today, the Lord has a plan for your good and His glory. Will you cooperate with Him to receive His very best? Thank You for the blessings, rewards, and opportunities I will receive as I wholeheartedly follow Your lead!