Acts 12:1-2. “Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.”
HARD TIMES. It is not always easy to stand for the truth, because evil forces around us abound. Troubles will come to best of all men in whom God’s message of truth is found; For the foe that we face is not one who will quit, when the sword of battle is drawn. His tactics will change to create panic and fear, and it is now that tough faith must be shown. When the pressures come on and the need arises to be able in faith to take shock; It is then we will know like those gone on before; the reality of our trust in The Rock.
In these hard times, like those in the past, we must experimentally learn fervent prayer. That kind of prayer is not like a stroll in the park, but like a race to be won fair and square. This attitude of prayer goes beyond what is casual, similar to one keeping ahead of a storm. In intensity it’s like trying to keep one from jumping to death, rather than jumping out of a bed that is warm. It involves concentration, like one landing a plane in weather that can result in a crash. In hard times like these we pray harder to God, and are hopeful the danger will soon pass.
In hard times like these we need strong leadership, those who will keep God’s people informed. High morale among saints is not an accident that happens, but comes from those who go beyond norm. People need to know they are important to all, and what affects one affects others alike. So when one of God’s people is suffering hard times, strong leadership helps make burdens seem light. We know each member of the body of Christ is unique, each one has been singularly gifted by God. Those who go before in times that are hard, are the ones who can speak for the Lord.
Common sense is another way God’s people can handle the pressure of hard times they live in. It is not just an accident when right choices are made, lest our feet slip and we fall into sin. Look around you and see the situation you’re in, and consider what God wants you to do. Usually the answers to the problems we face are not far away, but are right there next to you. Hard times are a fact of the life of a saint, they will come, so the wise will prepare. Rest assured that when temptations occur, God will allow only what you are able to bear.
“O Divine Helper: thanks for being near in every circumstance and assuring us of an answer to every need. If the answer is “no”, I will accept that by the help of Thy grace. If the answer is “yes”, I will seek by Thy power to press ahead in faith. If the answer is “wait”, I will ask for the needed patience to not get jumpy. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”