This is the final week in a four-part series on adversity. Read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
One of the things in which we greatly need God’s help is in living down our mistakes. We may have to re-establish ourselves in the confidence of others. We may have to rebuild a wrecked business. We may have to regain a lost reputation or re-establish a broken friendship. Whatever our mistake has been, and however devastating its effect — the case is not hopeless. “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief” (Proverbs 24:16). We can patiently rebuild what has been destroyed. It may be difficult, it may take a long time, it may require patient effort — and plenty of it — but if we have the will, then we can find the way.
In all our efforts to re-establish ourselves, we should pray for God to be our helper. After failure, there is so often a sense of frustration. The task of coming back looks too great. It may be too great for us unaided, and many people will not aid us — rather, they may hinder us. But “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). In God, we may always be assured of an understanding Friend who is ready to help. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).
He will not do our work for us — but He will give us strength for the work. He will not take away any reproach that has fallen on us, but He will enable us to show ourselves again worthy of esteem. “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
There are many things He will not do, but in whatever we must do, He will help us and make possible what we cannot do alone. He will strengthen our courage and help us. He will help us to cease to be what we never should have been, and help us to become what we ought to be and desire to be.
There are times when we do not understand and when a great many questions come to our lips, but often these questions go unanswered. Even when we ask God for a solution, that solution may not come. What shall we do when our questions are unanswered? We can only wait — but we should not wait impatiently. “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord” (Psalm 27:14). We should remember that God works in His own time and His own way. He often answers our questions indirectly or through our experiences, but until the answer comes, be patient and trust. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). At the proper time, you will know what you need to know.
Jesus told His disciples that here on earth — we will have many trials and sorrows. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). But He also told them that in Him they would have peace. And so whatever life may bring us of adversity, sorrow, and suffering — we can look to God for that peace which “passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
All His gracious promises are true, and they are true to us. “For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies” (Lamentations 3:31-32). He is our present help in time of trouble. Lean upon Him, trust Him with confident assurance, and He will not fail you; He will bear the heavier part of your load.
Charles Wesley Naylor is considered one of the most prolific and inspiring songwriters of the Church of God. He was bedridden for much of his adult life but wrote eight books, a newspaper column and more than 150 songs. Many of his writings are in the public domain.
