Life can be extremely hard at times, and for some, it can be relentless, but “ let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up”. It is not always easy to do the right thing, the good thing, especially in the face of criticism. It is certain that you will have critics. You must obediently get up day after day, put one foot in front of the other and take deliberate steps for Kingdom purpose, remembering that we can do nothing in and of ourselves, only by His grace at work in and through us can we be victorious over the hard times.

Anyone can become anguished during hard times. When King David was deeply distressed, he used the occasion to “strengthened himself in the Lord his God” while others around him turned the energy of their grief to threats of assassination. So we, too, have a choice in how to deal with our occasions of affliction. We are to be “patient in affliction” (Ro.12:12). “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” Trials can develop perseverance and maturity so as to become more complete in Christ.

It was temptation and self-seeking motives that caused those around King David to turn the energy of their grief to threats of assassination. Their thinking and actions became contrary to God, allowing evil to reign in their heart. Sometimes, our selfishness is such a part of what we have become that we do not even realize certain behaviors as selfishness. Understand that temptation to sin is not from God. Sin begins with unholy desires, lust, and selfishness which, if allowed to continue, produces sinful behavior. The Word says, “Sin, allowed to grow, will lead to death” (James 1:15). We have a choice. A choice to respond quickly to the conviction of impure attitudes, thoughts, motives, and wrong behaviors that come so easily when we are amid these extremely hard times and affliction. Choosing God’s way of reacting results in true joy in our hearts; it makes us stronger: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). The New Spirit-Filled Living Bible states it this way: “Remember that as you endure suffering, your faith is being refined as with fire. Value your faith more than gold. Look towards the coming of Jesus, so that your faith, having been tested, will result in praise, honor, and glory to Jesus.” And the ever-favorite scripture for many found in Nehemiah 8:10 tells us, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”