Getting Through the Tough Times

   Life is a gift from God. He gave it to us to fulfill our creative purpose and to enjoy. However, everyone's life has a certain amount of tough times. They are a part of our life's journey. As uncomfortable and unpleasant as they may be, they cannot be avoided. No one can negotiate an exemption from experiencing them. The following are some suggestions fro getting through the tough times. When applied they will give you an advantage and help you in getting through the terrain of tough times.

1. God is faithful. Faithful is the same as trustworthy, reliable, and true. This faithfulness that is applied to God implies that he is worthy of full or complete trust. The Message Bible says concerning God, "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it, 1 Corinthians 10:13. We have God's assurance that our tough times are not outside of our ability to deal with them as we place out trust in him. We cannot control everything that comes or goes but we can daily choose to trust in God's faithfulness to be with us and get us through our difficulties.
2. Encourage Yourself. Every person requires a certain amount of encouragement. When discouraged it can be like adrenaline going through ones veins and giving energy in a time of need. Encouragement usually comes from others. A family member, close friend, a co-worker, etc. However it has been my experience that now and then there is no one around when you seem to be at a low point. During one of the most trying times in his life king David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. You can read it in your spare time, 1 Samuel 30. Our willingness and courage to speak good things to ourselves as a means of personal encouragement is irreplaceable.
3. Keep moving, don't quit and don't stop. During the tough times it is important to realize that they are apart of the journey. Its like driving in a car going from the east coast to the west coast. There are differing stretches of the highway. During the ride you will see everything from beautiful scenery to desert land. There will be places worthy of stoping and others that you can sleep right through. The goal is to get from the east to the west. If the goal is to be realized, you must keep going. So when times get tough just remember it's just a part of the drive to a better destination. The passengers are you and God and whom ever you choose to take with you i.e. your husband, your wife and children, a friend, etc. Remember someone may and probably is watching you as an example and point of reference to get through a difficult time.