7 Steps To Dealing With Life’s Difficulties

I’ve often heard it said that there are no guarantees in life other than death and taxes. But I beg to differ. Death is optional for mankind based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. For the believer, death is nothing but a doorway to a better place.

As for taxes? Well, in our current world they are a necessary evil and a system that is open for abuse. But one day even taxes will go away.

I’d also like to add a another guaranteed earthly event. Difficulties. Trouble is guaranteed in this earthly life, and the words come straight from Jesus.

“In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33b

So how should we respond when trouble knocks at our door?

1. Don’t try to figure things out.

I’m an over-analyzer. When trouble comes my way, I want to know ‘why.’ After all, if I know why the trouble is there, maybe I can do something to fix it. Right?

Dead wrong. All that over-analysis leads to is what I call circular thinking. My thoughts go round and round for hours, days, weeks, months, and even years. At the end, I’m no closer to a solution and have wasted precious time trying to figure things out.

As followers of Christ, our job isn’t to figure things out. Our job is to remain in Him and let Him handle it.

2. Don’t take matters in your own hands.

I’m a horrible waiter. When I sense God making a promise to me, I want the promise fulfilled, like now. If it doesn’t come in what I consider a reasonable time, I start looking for ways to make the promise happen on my timetable.

Sound familiar?

Abraham and Sarah did the same thing. God had promised them a child, but year after year slipped by with no heir. They were getting older, the time for bearing children rushing past. Maybe they’d misunderstood. Or maybe God had forgotten His promise. Maybe they needed to do something to help God out.

The result of taking matters into their own hands was strife in their household that continues to this day between Arabs and Jews. Thankfully, God’s plan wasn’t at all thwarted in their attempt to take over. He still accomplished His promise without any help from Abraham and Sarah.

3. Don’t be afraid…trust!

Any fear other than the fear of God is a tool of the enemy. He is and was public enemy number one, a liar and a terrorist, who woos us into his schemes then seeks to destroy. All throughout the Bible we hear God say: “Don’t be afraid,” “Fear not,” “Be of good courage.”

As mentioned in the earlier post on “How To Get Double Peace,” fear and faith cannot co-habitate. When one moves in the other moves out. If fear shows up at your door, counteract it with faith and fear disappears.

4. Pray.

The Bible has so much to say about prayer that this one step alone could easily fill a book or multiple volumes. Prayer is our instantaneous communication with the divine. Christ ripped down the curtain that kept us from God and now we have access 24/7. Prayer changes things. Prayer changes us. In short, prayer works. Give God your troubles. He’ll take care of it.

5. Keep your focus.

Remember the story of Peter wanting to walk on water? The storm raged around him and the rolling sea waves threatened. As long as he kept his focus on Jesus, the stiller of storms, he safely walked in the midst of storm-swollen waves and accomplished the humanly impossible. Once his focus shifted to his troubles, he sank. We must keep our mind stayed on who our God is.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. ~Philippians 4:8 (AMP)

(Psst. Did you notice that all these adjectives describe Jesus? Yeah. Keep your mind focused on Him.)

6. Accept…with joy!

I confess. This step is difficult for me. I mean, there’s a reason they call it trouble. So first off, how can I accept it?

By realizing that God has a reason for allowing it in your life. It could be that He wants to draw you closer to Him. Or maybe, there’s something you need to learn. Or perhaps He’s permitting this test to refine you.

But I have to accept it with joy? Yep.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! ~Philippians 4:4 (NASB)

But how can we be joyful even in the midst of our troubles? By realizing that God’s plan for you is perfect and good. He can use the worst of times for our good and His glory.

7. Wait…with praise!

A popular saying at the time is: “When God closes a door, praise Him in the hallway!”

Great advice.

When we wait for God, we demonstrate trust. But in the meantime, we praise Him, which further demonstrates our faith in Him to accomplish His good and perfect will.

Paul was in prison yet again. Silas was with him on this particular visit, and they were in chains. But they weren’t moping around, whining, or complaining about their sad lot.

But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them; and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. ~Acts 16:25-26

God dwells in the midst of the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). In other words, when we praise Him, He shows up! Like prayer, prayer affects change.

Dealing With Difficulties – Conclusion

Difficulties in life in guaranteed, but how we respond makes all the difference in the world. Rather than spending countless hours trying to figure it out, taking matters in our own hands, and allowing the enemy to terrorize us, let’s counteract all these things with solutions that really work: prayer, focusing our attention on our Almighty God, accept the current circumstances with joy, and wait on Him with an attitude of praise for all that He is accomplishing in us and through us.

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