Not Sure You Can Take It Any Longer?

How often do you find yourself beat down in today’s world? It seems you almost get back on your feet—only to take another blow? Frustration with your situation begins to overwhelm you. The need for relief seems ever more complicated by the ongoing series of events that continue to heckle you and drag your life down. You are convinced no one cares and you know from past experience that there is little chance anyone is going to run to your side to help out.

The Israelites often found themselves in very similar circumstances. It seemed they couldn’t get a break from the onslaught of the enemies around them. Every day seemed to bring a new wave of trouble their way. Frustration among them was often overwhelming.

But, GOD remained a constant for them. Even as they strolled away from Him, His love and desire for them continued—His faithfulness remained strong. In the midst of their chaos, He spoke these words of encouragement: “Listen to Me, house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been sustained from the womb, carried along since birth. I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and save you” (Isaiah 46:3-4, HCSB).

He reminded them that He was with them always. Certainly, they didn’t always realize it because they so often turned their hearts away from Him. He reminded them He would continue to be there for them—always ready to carry them over the rough spots and to save them when life became unbearable.

These same promises are extended to you as well. While your friends may run away when things get tough for you, GOD remains faithful and ready always to carry you on to victory. When life seems to overwhelm you, GOD is prepared to save you from drowning in the problems and the difficulties.

To add to the encouragement, He told them: “Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will” (vv. 9-10).

GOD reminded them of His faithfulness in all their times of hardship. He encouraged them to reflect on His constant intervention into their circumstances throughout the year’s past. He reminded them that He was GOD, the only GOD, the only Hope, the only Salvation in their times of trouble. He declared to them that regardless of how bad things appeared or even became, His plan and His will would prevail.

GOD is telling you today that regardless of how bad things look; regardless of how bad things have already been; He is GOD and He is working everything out according to His perfect plan and will in your life for His purpose and ultimately His glory. Paul reminds us of this when he wrote: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

You just not sure how much longer you can take it? Not sure how much longer you can go on with life as it is? Hang in there! Stay the course. Put your hope and trust in the GOD Who loves you and cares for you. Know that He is working and making things happen that you may not understand at this time but one day, you will understand and you will realize that GOD was there all along doing great and marvelous things.

Scripture Reading: “I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help. He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. How happy is the man who has put his trust in the Lord and has not turned to the proud or to those who run after lies! Lord my God, You have done many things- Your wonderful works and Your plans for us; none can compare with You. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told” (Psalm 40:1-5 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, You are my GOD. You hold my future in Your hands. You know what I am going through and You know why. I pray that I will learn to simply trust in You, in Your plan and Your purpose. I pray that in the midst of my chaotic world, You will bring peace to my heart to realize You are there and You are always in control. I love You and praise You, O GOD, in all things. In Jesus’ name…AMEN!