By Tamara L. Bethea
We often face temptations, trials, hardships and setbacks that catch us by surprise, but truthfully they shouldn't. As believers we have become complacent and careless in being prepared for these times, because we have adopted a fierce mentality for prosperity and "happy" times. We've allowed ourselves to constantly be on the lookout for our seasons of blessings that we leave ourselves unprepared for seasons of hardships. While as the children of God we should look for blessings but we should also expect hard times to occur in our lives. Why? Because in James 1:2 (NKJV) we are reminded "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials", The latter portion of this scripture says, "when you fall into various trials,” this tells us these seasons of hardships are inevitable.
So then why are we often shaken when they show up? Why are we rocked to our core as if we are totally out of the loop from their presence? Because we've allowed ourselves to adopt a "that won't happen to me" mindset. But the real question is, why not you? I Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV) tells, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
NEWSFLASH: These types of hardships are common to mankind and guess what that includes you! So how do you prepare for these times? Well let's look at a few things:
First, stop thinking you’re immune to hardships. Expect and accept that things are bound to happen. But that God is going to bring you through them triumphantly!
Second, know that what's happening to you has happened to others. What you are facing isn't some unknown phenomenon. You'll make it just as they have.
Third, God loves you so much that He will not allow you to deal with anything above your capacity to handle. Although it may seem rough, know that you've already been equipped to handle it.
Lastly, don’t give in under pressure. Know that God planned your escape route, before the season even started. God doesn't wait to see how you’re going to handle it, to decide how to get you out. The season comes with the exit plan, but you have to persevere through the process to get to the end.
Wisdom Principle to Practice: Don’t be surprised by hard times. Be prepared for them.
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