“FOR WHATEVER WAS WRITTEN IN FORMER DAYS WAS WRITTEN FOR OUR INSTRUCTION, THAT THROUGH ENDURANCE AND THROUGH THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SCRIPTURES WE MIGHT HAVE HOPE.” (ROMANS 15:4)
DEALING WITH TRIALS
Life is difficult. There are many trials and barriers to success and happiness. More often than not, you might be inclined to try to carry life’s burdens on your own. This may work at first, but it will eventually overwhelm you, and you must look to God for guidance.
Although there are many methods for connecting with God, a few stand out as particularly helpful in times of need.
First, you need to read scripture. Without God’s Word, how can you hope to find direction in difficult times? Second, maintain a direct line with God through prayer. Prayer is the surest way to get the answers you need. Finally, join a community of believers. Enrolling in GTKYB free bible study courses can strengthen your faith and help you discover the tools to overcome the most difficult obstacles.
DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH SCRIPTURE
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4)
Neglecting the Word leaves you vulnerable with a feeling of emptiness. The Word provides a template by which to live your life, solve many problems, and persevere through difficult times. It is like a compass, guiding you through any desert that you or someone you know may be facing.
Daily encouragement through scripture is key to finding clarity, even when faced with overwhelming trials. Life is full of distractions, causing you to lose focus and feeling unable to handle it all. This can lead to poor choices, so it is important to return to the basics, and meditate on the Word of God.
Scripture can provide a new perspective on existing problems. Like a horse on the racetrack, you must ignore those things on the periphery, and focus on what matters to reach the finish line.
BUILDING A CONNECTION WITH PRAYER
“And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” (Matthew 21:22)
Prayer is like exercising. The more you exert yourself, the greater the results. Moreover, if you lose the habit of prayer, then it becomes more difficult to resume. Your faith can become stagnant. It is the only way to communicate with God, so it is important not to lose direct contact.
Imagine a typical day. You wake up, perhaps have a cup of coffee, and prepare for work. Including some prayer time can make all the difference. It does not need to be complex or long winded. You can pray in the shower or during your morning commute. Making a daily habit of prayer can improve your state of mind, uplift you, and guide you through your day.
In the Book of Matthew, the author writes that faith can move mountains. Do you have a mountain that you cannot move? Has life become too overbearing? Or do you feel that your faith has dried up? Do not lose hope. Connect with prayer, and reinvigorate your relationship with God. Even if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, there is always hope. Expand that faith, and nothing is impossible. You will overcome.
LEANING ON OTHERS
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Sometimes you may lack the faith to overcome obstacles in your life, and you need encouragement and perspective. Watch the Getting to Know your Bible TV program and enrolling in our free courses can recharge your strength, and inspire you to succeed. The Book of Matthew says that when even just a few are gathered together in the name of God, He is present.
Isolation is detrimental to your faith, and other people can lift you up in times of emotional and spiritual weakness. Nowadays it is easier than ever to connect with others. You may not have the time to connect face-to-face, but even just a message or quick prayer request can help lift the burden you bear.
GTKYB CAN BE THE GUIDE YOU NEED
Do you need to supplement your daily devotional? Do you need inspiration or insight to put things in perspective? Or are you simply in need of resources to enhance your spiritual life?
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
Now it is easy to connect with God online through the words of the GTKYB’s website. With the daily encouragement of God’s Word, you can face any obstacle. For more information, check out Getting to Know your Bible.
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