There is a popular idiom that says, “Life is just a bowl of cherries,” interpreted to mean that everything in life is going well, so we should live life carefree. It is often intended to be used humorously to show us that even though there are pitfalls in life, don’t stress over everything. However, when trouble comes in our lives, there are several Scriptures on which to lean that are purposed to give us the encouragement we need. In John 16:33, we are reminded … “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Second Timothy 3:1 tells us, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.” Further, Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Given these Scriptures to get us through the rocky, disappointing times in which we are currently living, sometimes still it will be very difficult. The flesh in us hurts in times of pain and trouble; therefore, it seems as if the light is never going to appear at the end of the tunnel. Consequently, prayer, patience, love, support, and genuine encouragement from others are very vital keys to getting through tough times. God is a just and loving God, for He will not allow His elect to suffer. In times like these, we all must P.U.S.H.; pray until something happens! As we journey through these times, we need our Savior and each other. However, as we see others going through perilous times, we should whisper a prayer, and don’t judge or convict, because we may not know the whole story.
On that note, I leave you with this anonymously written piece, “Everyone Has a Story in Life.”
“A 24-year-old boy seeing out from the train’s window shouted… ‘Dad, look; the trees are going behind!’ Dad smiled, and a young couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24-year-old’s childish behavior with pity. Suddenly, he again exclaimed… ‘Dad, look; the clouds are running with us!’
“The couple couldn’t resist and said to the old man… ‘Why don’t you take your son to a good doctor?’
“The old man smiled and said… ‘I did, and we are just coming from the hospital. My son was blind from birth; he just got his eyes today.’”
Every single person on the planet has a story in times like these. Don’t judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you. Always abound in the faith, and never leave home without Him!
