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Dr. Buzzell has pointed ot two ways the Israelites responded to hardships. What were they? How have you responded to hardship in your own life?
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They would either rebel against God or they would turn to God and repent.
In my BC days, or years as you may, I would rebel.
Now I turn to the Lord with a thankful heart knowing that He has a Plan to work out whatever it is I’m going through for His purpose. -
I see two different types of hardships and responses. The first was from the people that returned to rebuild the temple. After the temple was rebuilt, they were distressed that there was no wall. Yet they never acted to attempt to rebuild the wall. Then Nehemiah hearing about this distress, prayed and asked Artaxerxes to allow him to go and rebuild the wall.
The people were fearful and distressed by the lack of a wall but did nothing about it while Nehemiah prayed to God first and then acted. This is the pattern that we need to follow.
I have had a lot of hardships in my life. In the past, I used to turn inward and either burn with anger or self loathing. I turned those hardships into a self pity crusade and used them as a reason that I struggled to succeed in life. Now that I am saved, I still struggle with that at times and then I remember that God is with me and I start praying.
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Dr. Buzzell pointed out the two ways the Israelites responded to hardships. What were they? How have you responded to hardships in your own life?
Throughout the history of the Israelites whenever hardship came upon them, they acted in obedience to the covenants and God’s commandments or in disobedience. Their disobedience would come in the form of idolatry and intermarriage with other tribes outside the 12 tribes of Israel. The pattern of would follow sin, consequences in the form of being conquered by a warring nation or wandering as in their 40 year exile in the desert, crying out for God to save them and their promise of repentance and finally God’s grace and forgiveness would give them a restored relationship. As long as the Israelites remained obedient their lives were filled with blessings. When their hearts turned away from God’s goodness and grace God would “curse” them and consequences would follow. The pattern would begin again.
At 65 I have experienced a number of hardships throughout my life; the most devastating being the loss of our 24 year old son to cancer, personal cancer, my husband with a number of health issues, and family issues. In other words, sometimes life happens really hard. The first thing I do is pray and then immerse myself in God’s word. After which I take one day at a time and sometimes only one step or one breath at a time. Do I get angry? Sure. But I get angry at the situation. I learned a long time ago that it is best to work the problem and not work over the those involved; especially God. God did not bring any of these hardships personally onto me. The good news is God was there through all I have experienced with undeniable Presence, compassion, tears, hope, joy, extended family, friends, a worshiping community and probably angels unaware. I have more life behind me than in front of me. I don’t expect life and all of its surprises, blessings and rough spots to change. I also do not expect God’s grace, forgiveness, Presence and hope to change either.
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The Israelites continue to trust the Lord even during difficult times. How I responded to hardship in my life was through trusting and believing that God will never leave us nor forsake us. Holding on to His promises and simply trust the one living God. Keep pressing forward with the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
