Life Is Tough. Get Close.

Life can change quickly. An accident, financial pressure, conflict, or a decision we regret can leave us wondering what to do next.

Some troubles happen to us. Some come because we chose to obey God. Others are consequences of our own choices. In each case, God gives us the same invitation:

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”James 4:8

When life gets tough, get close to God.

Draw near, even when you want to pull away

Trouble can make us withdraw. We stop praying because we feel tired or ashamed. We avoid opening the Bible because we are afraid of what it might say.

But James 4:8 says to draw near. If you made a mistake, you can admit it, repent, and come to God. You may still need to face the consequences, but you do not have to face them far from Him.

The prodigal son made choices that brought him to a painful place. When he came to his senses, he went home. You can take a step toward God today, too.

Believe that God is able

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a furnace because they would not bow to an idol. They believed God was able to deliver them. Then they said that even if He did not, they would remain faithful (Daniel 3:17–18).

We can pray boldly. God can heal, provide, restore, and make a way. Yet faith also says, “Even if the answer is different from what I hoped, I will still trust Him.”

We do not have to know the outcome before deciding to worship and obey.

Remember that He is with you

When the three men were thrown into the fire, the king saw a fourth figure with them (Daniel 3:24–25). Their trouble had not disappeared, but they were not alone.

Never mistake the presence of trouble for the absence of God.

In Exodus 12, God told the Israelites to eat the Passover meal with their sandals on and their staffs in hand. They were still in Egypt, but they were to be ready to move. They had not yet seen the way out, but God had spoken.

If you are waiting for an answer, stay close to God. Keep praying. Take the next faithful step you can take today.