Even though God is our light for the way, that does not mean our decisions in life will always be clear. There are often times when we want something in life—a new job, a family, a spouse, a house, new friends, less stress, relief, recovery, or removal from illness or disease. When it seems like God is not listening, be completely assured that He knows our needs and desires and is working for what is best for us in our lives. Through any situation in life, we can continue to rely on God, stay in His Word, and do our best to follow His will for our lives in our decisions.

There are multiple verses in the Bible that state the importance of waiting for the Lord. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7a. While we are waiting for the second coming of Jesus, the verses can also remind us to have peace about our current situations. No matter what our circumstances, we have God and that is enough. That does not mean that we should not have tenacity to pursue dreams that we feel God is leading us to pursue. Waiting does not have to be inactivity, but a sustained focus on God through prayer and belief. It is being optimistic about the future, not focused on worry, but on the glorious inheritance that awaits us in heaven and the wonderful life that we can have on earth doing the Lord’s work.

Reference
Stohlmann, M. (2017). The world's greatest provider. Seattle, WA: CreateSpace. 

When we face problems in life, we can realize that on our own we are not able to do what we would like. We need to rely more on God and Him working through others. Isaiah 40:29 is a beautiful verse to remember during these seasons of life. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. The Bible is full of stories where God provides strength and helps Christians through difficult times. The Israelites were saved from the Egyptians by God parting the Red Sea. Daniel was kept safe in the lion’s den. Samson is given strength to defeat his enemies. Paul persevered through many trials and imprisonments. In times in our lives when we face problems we do not have to be distraught but can be taught to seek God. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11. God can use these times to reassure us of His presence and power.

​When we realize that we have God on our side it makes all the difference. We can draw great encouragement from this in the midst of any problems in life. Pastor and author, Max Lucado, in one his sermons stated the power that Christians have by belonging to God.
I read that Christ took up residence in you when you became a Christian. He is a pulsating, living, breathing, growing, expanding presence. I read that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. I read that you are an ambassador of Jesus Christ. I read that you are an heir of Christ. I read that you are the salt, the light of society. I read that you belong to the living God. I read that your name is written in the book of life and no one can erase it. I read that you have been purchased with the most precious commodity in the history of the world. I read that you belong to God.

​The Bible provides us with plenty of evidence of the power of God. God is more powerful than any problems that you are facing. God is with you and has promised to help you. Do not be dismayed or discouraged when trouble comes your way, but face it with confidence that God will provide the strength that you need and the determination to deal with anything in life. Let us remember what we have. We have the power of the Almighty God residing in us! We have the promises of God before us! We see evidence of God’s faithfulness all around us!

Stohlmann, M. (2017).  The world's greatest provider.  Seattle, WA: CreateSpace. 
Lucado, M. (2016). “It’s a battle, not a picnic.” Retrieved from http://media.oakhillschurch.com/default.aspx?page=3679&item=528

​There can be plenty of reasons why we need strength for the day: too much to do at work or school, an illness or disease, strained relationships with others, a friend or family member going through a difficult time, financial troubles, loneliness, uncertainty about the future, failure, loss of a loved one, and being responsible for others or in a position of leadership. There are many people that have to deal with these problems in their lives. Christians know that God will give them strength for all the days of life. Here is the story of one famous Christian that persevered through all of the above difficulties.

When I was seven years old, my family was forced out of our home because of a legal technicality. I had to work to help support my family. At age nine, while still a backwards, shy little boy, my mother died. At age 22, I lost my job as a store clerk. I wanted to go to law school, but my education wasn’t good enough. At 23, I went into debt to become a partner in a small store. Three years later my partner died leaving me a huge debt, which took years to repay. At 28, after developing romantic relations with a young lady for four years, I asked her to marry me. She said no. At 37, on my third try, I was finally elected to the United States Congress. Two years later, I ran again and failed to be re-elected. I had a nervous breakdown at that time. At 41, adding additional heartache to an already unhappy marriage, my four-year-old son died. The next year I ran for Land Officer and lost. At 45, I ran for the Senate and lost. A few years later, I ran for the Vice Presidency and lost. At 49, I ran for the Senate again and lost. And at 51, I was elected President of the United States.
Who am I?
My name is Abraham Lincoln.

​President Abraham Lincoln knew that he needed to rely on God for strength for every day of his life. One of his most famous quotes states well how Christians know that God’s strength is sufficient from them. “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for the day.” Lincoln felt that the Bible was one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. Through the Bible, Christians are encouraged and given strength.

A search on www.biblegateway.com for the word “strength” brings up 232 Bible verses. Strength is something that God knows that we need and provides this for us. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:10. There can be days when everything that is going on is overwhelming, but God promises to help us through our days. A couple of excellent Bible verses to remember are from Lamentations and Matthew.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Reference
Stohlmann, M. (2017). The world's greatest provider. Seattle, WA: CreateSpace.