Are you feeling hopeless about the situation you’re in and don’t know which way to turn? Maybe you’re struggling to find a reason to keep going, but you’re so tired and overwhelmed that you just want to give up. If that’s the case, you’re in a vulnerable place. Stay alert, because it’s at times like this that Satan will try to convince you there must be sin in your life, or that you’re out of God’s will, or that He’s unhappy with you because you’ve disobeyed Him in some area you’re unaware of. Don’t accept what the enemy says. You can be in the centre of God’s will doing everything the right way, and still experience all kinds of difficulties and obstacles. The apostle Paul wrote: ‘You ought to know…about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety’ (2 Corinthians 1:8-11 NLT). Two elements are at work in your life today. First, God is teaching you to lean on Him instead of on yourself. Second, people around you are being strengthened and encouraged as they see the grace of God at work in your life.
