Strategies for Overcoming Tough Times as a Christian is a pivotal tool every believer must have, to navigate the tough times of life, as we journey as pilgrims on this planet Earth irrespective of how short our journey on Earth may be before we are called back home.
Why?
Because as we navigate the intricacies of life, we often encounter trials, persecutions, tough times hardships and tribulations. In John 16:33 our Jesus Christ told us, I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” This simply means that as Christians, facing trials, tribulations and tough times is part of our faith journey. We are however encouraged to be of good cheer because Christ has overcome the world on our behalf even before we face them.
Yes, trials, persecutions, tough times hardships and tribulations can be painful and discomforting sometimes that we question our faith and belief in God and sometimes if indeed God exists, and if He does exist, why is He not doing something to make it stop?
It’s important as Christians, that we know that; Tough times are difficult but inherently transient. Understanding this is crucial to persevering and coming out stronger because “tough times don’t last, people do.”
1. Rooting Ourselves in the Word of God
The Bible – A Reservoir of Wisdom for Tough Times
When the tumult of life knocks us off balance, the Word of God (the Bible) serves as a beacon during turbulent times, rooting us in divine wisdom and endurance.
The Bible is a steady compass, guiding, comforting, and strengthening us during these tough periods. Whether it’s finding comfort, seeking strength, nurturing hope, or fostering trust, these scriptures point us back to God’s unfailing love and sovereignty.
The promise of God’s unfailing love and presence echoed in Deuteronomy 31:8, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”, anchors us in the certainty that we always have a guiding hand in our tribulations, trials and tough times.
Searching for relevant Scriptures that address your current struggles; Verses like Romans 8:28 or James 1:2-4 and meditating on God’s Promises offer reassurance and hope in trials.
2. The Power of Prayer
In tough times, prayer forms our central lifeline to God’s comfort and guidance. Pour out your heart to God in prayer. Be honest with God about your feelings, fears, and hopes during tough times, as we are urged in Psalm 62:8.
Praying for wisdom and strength to overcome tough times is written in the Scripture in verses like James 1:5 and Ephesians 6:10.
You need the wisdom and strength of the Holy Spirit to overcome trials, tribulations and tough times. Remember, ” If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small.” Proverbs 24:10
3. Surround Yourself with a Faith Community
A supportive Christian community can be a priceless asset when navigating tough times. One tool the Devil uses to overcome Christians going through tough times is Isolation. Once the devil can isolate a Christian from the body of Christ, he messes up their minds, turns them against God and finishes them up with suicide ideation.
This is why tough times are not the times we should isolate ourselves from our Church or faith community.
Share your challenges with your church or small group to garner prayers, counsel, and tangible support (Galatians 6:2).
4. Spiritual Encouragement
Harnessing the power of corporate worship can uplift spirits and offer comfort and assurance (Hebrews 10:24-25) during tough times. This is why we must not neglect the gathering together of other believers from whence we draw strength in our hour of needs and trials.
5. Cultivating Spiritual Resilience
Bolstering one’s spiritual resilience is key to overcoming tough times as a Christian. Tough times are not the time to become spiritually weak, fall and falter. It’s a time to build yourself up in your most holy faith.
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,…” Jude 1:20
Praying in the Holy Spirit, helps you to build spiritual resilience and help you recover from tough times.
Every challenge, no matter how daunting, has an endpoint. It’s important to keep this perspective when facing tough times.
You must never forget that no matter how tough things may seem, “This too shall pass away .”
6. Trust in God’s Sovereignty
When passing through tough times, trials, and tribulations, remember that God’s sovereign plan is at work, even in our trials. Jeremiah 29:11 is an upbeat reinforcement.
Nothing happens on Earth without God’s knowledge and authorization. ” Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission?” Lamentations 3:37
If God allows and permits you to pass through those trials, temptations, tribulations and tough times, it is because He has something He wants to use the tough times to achieve in your life, and He has confidence in your ability to pass through it and come out victorious.
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
In tough times, trusting in God’s sovereignty can help to bring peace and calm amid the storm.
God promises restoration and strength after suffering, beautifully elucidated in 1 Peter 5:10.
God has control over Everything on Earth and causes them to work for our good.
“And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ERV)
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Dear Christian,
The Bible offers abundant examples of believers facing trials and tests, and their victories enshrine the enduring message in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Amidst the toughest trials, remember that with these strategies at our disposal, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us (Romans 8:37). So, Christians encountering tough times can have the assurance that a potent blend of Studying the Word of God, prayer, faith community, spiritual resilience and trusting in God’s sovereignty can lead them from distress during tough times to divine victory.
God Bless You
