“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness”. —ROMANS 8:26

Many people have struggled with hardship and despair to the point where they feel utterly depleted and helpless. They may pray constantly about it, but week after week, nothing changes. Many will question their faith and even slip away from God at a time when they need Him the most. It is in these times our faith is often tested and our dependence upon God is crucial.

Even as we speak our prayers, God is answering. He knows our struggles and at His discretion, will use them so that in our humility and weakness, we can be made strong in His power. If we understand how God works in this way, our dependence upon Him is reinforced, and whatever plagues us becomes a means for God to draw us near. It provides a highway for Him to navigate His way and lead us to where we truly discover His power, His grace and His sufficiency.

The essential ingredient in the spiritual growth of every Christian is going to be the presence of Christ by His Holy Spirit, living in us. And that’s the dynamic and powerful source that not only sustains us through hardship, but accomplishes God’s purpose in it. We are not alone. We have the presence of Christ, and in placing our confidence exclusively in Him, we can experience triumph in our troubles. This was true for many leading characters in the Bible: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Nehemiah, Paul, and of course, Jesus, who conquered death and sits at the right hand of the Father.

Flat on our backs, the only place we can look is up. Isaiah 45:3 says, “I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” It is in the very depth of weakness, vulnerability, trials and hardship that God, Himself, will step. In fact, it’s a wonderful time to worship and thank Him for His presence, because nothing conquers Him. In our abiding faith, God will, in His time, bring the treasures of darkness to light.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for your presence all the time, but especially in difﬁcult times. I know I can always depend on You. You are my strength and refuge in whom I rest.

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I drawing on the strength and grace of Christ to see me through difficult times?