Please tell me I’m not the only one who has noticed that this world is just not right! I’m pretty optimistic, but wow, it seems like trouble greets you every morning. Every day has its own set of circumstances and they’re not always good. There’s always something to deal with that you wish were not on your plate. I will literally lie there in my bed, wanting to pull the covers back over my head and think to myself, “Not today!” Fortunately, I have Jesus! That’s the game changer. He’s the difference maker. I remember His words. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ NLT) Ahh! Now I can put my feet on the floor. 

Trials and hardship are completely inevitable in this broken world we live in. Jesus said it Himself. But how we go through the brokenness is key. If we are all we have to rely on, we’re done. The child of God has the Holy Spirit in us, guiding and directing our steps! He knows what’s up ahead. We don’t. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all (‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭19‬ NIV). The Lord’s delivering power is on His children. That’s a guarantee! Everyone faces hardship but only His children have this promise. That brings hope! If you’re stuck right in the middle of a tough situation and you belong to Jesus, God will deliver you. If you do not belong to Jesus, you are left to your own devices and the help of the broken world’s system. Let this not be the case. 

“For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭44-45‬ NLT) Everyone gets rain and everyone gets sunlight. God provides essentials for everybody. He takes care of this earth we live on. That’s just His nature. He wants to be involved in the details of everyone’s life, but not everyone invites Him to be. I cannot imagine trying to navigate any situation without Him. He knows the future. He’s definitely got a better view of my life than I do. He’s also got better plans. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ NLT)

The hope He brings gives pep to my step! I’m not exactly sure how things will turn out but I know Who holds the universe! That allows me to place my life securely in His hands and not be anxiety ridden. Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety (‭Job‬ ‭11‬:‭18‬ NLT). I want to rest in His safety. That’s the difference between going through tough times with Jesus and without Him. We’re all going to face sorrows. Don’t face it alone and unknowing. Trust the One who knows the beginning from the end!

My heart breaks for folks who try to do life in their own strength. We were never designed to live that way. We are created beings made to rely on our Creator. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (‭Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬ NLT). The Bible is telling God’s children that even during trials we can remain in a state of joy because God will use this in our lives to make us more like Christ. He has a plan for everything. For the people trying to live in their own strength, they just have trials. Period. The weight of all of the circumstances this life brings could certainly crush an individual. But Jesus will carry His children’s burdens. So you see? Everyone on earth will experience hard times. The storms of life will come. For the child of God, though, it’s the same but different.

Today’s guest writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.