“I suppose you’ve heard the expression,” Stan began, “about when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
“Sure have,” I responded. “All about digging deeper and rising above my circumstances.”
“That’s right, my friend,” Stan replied. “And it is always important for me to keep focused on how I am digging deeper.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“The difference,” he said, “between digging deeper in relying on what I can do on my own, and digging deeper with God, the only One who can truly help me in whatever I am facing.”
“How do you do that?” I asked.
“It’s a process,” Stan replied. “A process that begins with realizing I am in a tough situation. It is not always apparent to me that I am in such a situation, but realizing the fact is my essential first step.”
“After that,” he continued, “comes the part of realizing that I can’t do anything about it on my own. Then I give it to God through His indwelling Holy Spirit to deal with. He’s a lot tougher than I am!”
“That is followed by my listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He guides me.”
“The final step in the process,” Stan continued, “is for me to be obedient to what the Holy Spirit has said in His wanting to lead me out of the situation, whatever it may be.”
“So,” Stan concluded,”for me, when the going gets tough, I go to the One who is tougher than the circumstance. And I can assure you that is God, not me!”
_________________________________
Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22.
I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing. John 15:5.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that you are everything I need for every circumstance I face. I confess that too often I rely on myself, other people, or other things, rather than on you. Please forgive me. And please lead me and help me to follow in giving to you all I face, surrendering all of my inadequacies for all of your immeasurable adequacies in everything. Thank you for your magnificent provision in everything I may and do face in every aspect of my being. And thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Waiting for the Train 