Every believer’s responsible reaction to troubling times, be it emotional, financial, health or relationship dislocation, is to go to God in prayers and supplication with thanksgiving; not thinking, overthinking the way of escape.

The believer’s need at such times is the peace of God that is logically inexplicable, that keeps hearts and minds through Christ while waiting for Him to do what He does best (John 14:12-14).

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:12-14

As a sitting judge would typically say to advocates arguing, frantically opposing themselves, “approach,” I say approach the throne of grace, you have a winning advocate. You have victory.

Part of what comes with His trust is His assigned responsibility. Many a time we feel overwhelmed with the incessant demands from both believers and unbelievers alike to meet financial help that’s outside what’s planned for. From being overwhelmed comes frustration and ultimately restrained murmuring and complaints which are sin. Always be mindful of 1 Corinthians 10:13. There is always a way that the Lord has prepared for every challenge, pray to see it.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,  he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.1 Corinthians 10:13 AMPC

Mother Theresa is attributed with saying, “I know God won’t give me anything I cannot handle, I just wish He didn’t trust me so much,” like there is too much to do and not enough of me to do it. Much as this verse is accurate for what we “call” classical sin, even so is it for seemingly difficult assignments. Consider Abraham in Genesis 22:1-8; that the saying may be true, that in the place of God’s assignment provision will always be there, and we can say, pray it internalise it—I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13).

Circumstances must not dictate your joy, and deter you from keeping your focus on the Lord. The power of faith in Him provides you with strength and enablement to overcome all challenges. Putting together Philippians 4:5-17; Romans 13:10-14, Romans 15:13 provides us with the pathway to sustained peace.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13 KJV

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 NLT

As we remain filled with the Holy Spirit through focused and sustained spiritual hunger for the Lord, a sense of serenity replaces stress. Storms of circumstance can form over which you have no power, but I know Him, the Lord my God can keep them from prevailing over you and me (1 John 5:14-15).

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14-15

I will be blessed as I walk in obedience Deuteronomy 28:6 for He told me (us), Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you (1 Peter 5:7). Shalom

Pastor Afolabi Oladele